HURIWA flays attacks on Matawalle, urges EFCC not to be used for political witch-hunt

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has voiced strong opposition to what it described as politically motivated efforts to undermine the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

The group called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remain neutral and avoid being used as an instrument in political power struggles.

HURIWA’s reaction follows a protest at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, reportedly led by a group with links to the Zamfara State Government.

In a statement issued Saturday in Abuja, HURIWA suggested that the allegations against Matawalle are part of a deliberate campaign orchestrated by political opponents uncomfortable with his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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“This renewed offensive against Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle is nothing but a desperate and vindictive attempt by internal saboteurs—many of them from the Northern political establishment—to discredit a performing minister whose only offence is his uncommon loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and his role in stabilizing the security architecture of the nation,” said HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko. “We too have been approached by forces aligned with the Zamfara state governor to malign Matawalle but we refused. This group are actually said to be fronting for the Zamfara state governor. Several groups including the Northern Sociopolitical network had alleged that the forces working for the Zamfara state governor had attempted to bribe them with N200 million to embark on malicious media campaigns against Matawalle but they reportedly turned it down.”

The organization warned of a growing trend in which some civic groups are allegedly being co-opted by disgruntled political elements seeking to discredit key figures in the federal administration.

“It is no longer a secret that certain vested interests within the federal structure, especially those from the North-West, feel threatened by the visible and strategic positioning of Dr. Matawalle in the cabinet. These people have repeatedly launched media trials and recycled allegations in an effort to reduce his influence,” HURIWA noted.

The rights group also cautioned that the EFCC must not allow itself to become a partisan actor in the unfolding situation.

“We must caution the EFCC not to allow itself to be used to settle political scores or to undermine loyal public servants who are actively contributing to national stability. These petitions are not new; they have been regurgitated with fanfare to serve sinister objectives. We urge the Commission to act only within the limits of verifiable evidence and due process,” the statement read.

While emphasizing the importance of accountability in public office, HURIWA warned against the misuse of anti-corruption tools to serve narrow political or ethnic agendas. The group pointed out that this was not the first instance of coordinated attacks on Matawalle through staged protests and media narratives.

“In May and September 2024, similar petitions were peddled, yet no credible or prosecutable evidence was advanced. Instead, we have seen a pattern—an orchestrated onslaught—that starts with petitions, followed by protests, and ends with media headlines, only to fizzle out without legal consequence. This has all the trademarks of a political vendetta,” HURIWA observed.

The organization highlighted Matawalle’s efforts in his role as Minister of State for Defence, citing his dedication to national security reform and direct engagement with the armed forces.

“His performance as Minister of State for Defence has been nothing short of commendable. He has brought a proactive and pragmatic style to military-civil engagement and has become a unifying figure in an otherwise tense national security framework. Those who fear his rising influence in the defence sector are the real enemies of progress,” the statement added.

HURIWA criticized what it described as the hypocrisy of political actors who previously struggled with insecurity in the North-West but now shift blame to Matawalle, despite his active support for the President’s security agenda.

The group reiterated that the attacks on the minister are driven by his steadfast support for President Tinubu and his visible role in implementing federal security initiatives.

“Dr. Matawalle’s consistent alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda and his ability to articulate and implement the President’s security vision have made him a target of those who cannot match his competence, patriotism, or relevance. These orchestrated attacks are simply aimed at derailing his focus and forcing him into disrepute,” HURIWA asserted.

Calling for professionalism in handling corruption allegations, the group urged the EFCC to focus solely on credible evidence and remain above political influence.

“We strongly oppose selective justice and trial by media. Nigeria’s democracy must be anchored on the rule of law and due process, not on orchestrated mob actions disguised as civil protests,” Onwubiko concluded.