12/12/2025
TINUBU IN AN AMBIVALENT POSITION: WHOM TO CHOOSE THE VICTIM OR THE ACCUSED?
By: Abba Gabari
For a long time, people from North-Western Nigeria have accused the State minister for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of sponsoring banditry and terrorism in the region.
Recently, the Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, stated indirectly that some individuals in Abuja are responsible for delaying the war against bandits in his state. He alleged that certain arrested terrorists were released through interference from Abuja.
What keeps recurring is the growing demand from Nigerians calling on President Tinubu to sack the minister even members of his own party, the APC, have joined the call.
It is unfortunate that the minister still remains in office and that the president has not addressed the nation to declare his position whether the allegations are true or merely political character assassination.
This week, the Minister filed lawsuits against Sahara Reporters, Mikiya, and Sheikh Murtala Asada of Sokoto for defamation, demanding ₦10 billion in damages.
Yesterday, Musa Kamarawa, a former SSA to Matawalle, released a video confirming the allegations. He confessed to being part of the crimes. According to him, he was responsible for buying stolen cows and distributing them to people, and he claimed that the guests at Matawalle’s daughter’s wedding ate stolen meat.
He also admitted to engaging in negotiations with terrorists an action completely unacceptable to victims and stated that Matawalle’s government gifted Hilux vehicles to these criminals.
In summary, Kamarawa vowed to reveal the full truth if called to testify in court.
Observations
If Tinubu sacks Matawalle now, after keeping him in office for a long time without investigation, Nigerians will not praise him.
If Matawalle steps down from his position, Nigerians will take it as confirmation that the allegations are true.
The Senate and House of Representatives should summon Matawalle and thoroughly investigate the allegations.
If the people of the North-West vote for Tinubu in the forthcoming election despite his refusal to probe or remove Matawalle, activists will be weakened, and many citizens will stop sympathizing with them.
In the next election, voters must avoid repeating past mistakes by choosing candidates without understanding their manifestos or political intentions.
Tinubu’s government must tackle and prosecute sponsors of terrorism in the North, regardless of their political party or personal connections.
The Pen Trust
