Attack on Matawalle: A case of administrative failure and misplaced priorities, By Lawal Umar Maradun

Recently, a group emerged with unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON. They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “call the Minister to order” over alleged harassment of their supporters. While some organized orchestrated protests, hiring non-Zamfara indigenes to call on EFCC against Matawalle. These claims are not only baseless but also a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the internal failures and disarray within their paymasters.

What these detractors truly resent is the strong and visible support that Hon. Matawalle gives to President Tinubu and the APC-led administration. He has consistently stood out in defending government policies aimed at national development and stability.

It is crucial to challenge the misuse of the term “harassment.” In a democratic society, accountability and political engagement do not equate to intimidation. The reckless use of such terms without credible evidence smacks of desperation and undermines constructive political discourse. It’s a strategy rooted in propaganda, not principle.

These groups have lost ground both politically and socially. Their relevance has diminished, and rather than reflect on their shortcomings or propose solutions, they resort to mudslinging and finger-pointing. This is not advocacy, rather it is a smear campaign motivated by envy, hatred and political fatigue.

Ironically, these critics have failed to address the serious economic and security challenges in their constituencies. For example, Zamfara State remains one of the hardest-hit regions, grappling with insecurity and poverty. Yet, instead of contributing to solutions, they attack those actively working to alleviate the suffering of the masses in the State like Matawalle.

Hon. Matawalle has never shied away from his responsibilities, both as a former governor and now as a federal minister. Alongside Senator Abdulaziz Yari and other key stakeholders of the APC. Matawalle has continued to support the people of Zamfara state through generous relief efforts such as donations during Ramadan and interventions during disasters like the 2024 Gummi flood and most recenty, the visit of Matawalle to condole the families of the slained Chief Imam in Maru Local Government Area of the State. Matawalle’s positive impact is felt always first before even those whose responsibility is to govern the State.

When he was Governor,  Matawalle was highly  committed to People-oriented administration to ensure a Government under meaningful change and to ensure effective governance aimed at delivering better services to the people of the State; Matawalle made series of strategic appointments that cut across all the Wards in the 14 local government areas of the State.

The people  he appointed were individuals who  were carefully selected and trusted to bring visionary leadership, and accountability across all levels of administration in the State. For a purposeful leadership and for meaningful Impact, there were a number of philanthropic gestures and social intervention programmes to ameliorate the sufferings of the people in the state. For example under the Zamfara State Social Intervention Programme (ZASIP) so many families were removed from hardships.

Many young people were appointed into various positions who were experts in various fields of endeavour,  guiding strategic decisions of the Government with experience and insight. The aim was to bring efficiency and innovation to blend.

Many of the past appointees who were contacted before compiling this piece have stated that they are still grateful to the past Matawalle administration which groomed them to serve as voices of the people, championing in various sectors and communities across the state. They further explained that they equally  served as  hands-on supporters,  ensuring grassroots impact and responsive governance in Zamfara.

Some of the  Permanent Members and Commissioners appointed by Matawalle submitted that their inclusion by Matawalle in his government has helped to further strengthen his administration, as they were assigned to various roles to serve as guardians of continuity and institutional  capacity. They contributed  in  offering steadfast oversight functions and direction.

Even Part-Time Members appointed said they have provided  professional service and expertise to elevate various boards performances and brought balance and perspective to governance.

All the 14 Local Government Areas had Project Monitoring Committee Members serving as watchdogs ensuring that local development projects  delivered the desired results.

Indeed, there has never been a Governor in Zamfara State that truly ensured inclusiveness in governance and  represented a unified force committed to improving lives, enhancing service delivery, and building a better future for all the people of the State,

Such actions reflect leadership, not intimidation. As a former legislator and governor, Matawalle embodies a commitment and respect to the rule of law, compassion, and responsible governance. His support for the people has remained unwavering, even while serving at the national level.

Rather than acknowledge his contributions or collaborate with him on shared goals such as tackling insecurity in the State, his detractors choose to manufacture conflict and discord. At a time when Nigeria faces serious challenges from insecurity to food shortages, what the State and the nation need is unity and focus, not political theatrics and vendetta.

The constant attacks on Matawalle do not damage his credibility, however, they only expose the attackers’ own lack of substance and their inability to provide real leadership. As Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle serves the entire nation, playing a key role in national security, not just local politics, he is far ahead.

President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is built on unity, development, and inclusive governance. Therefore, baseless distractions only serve to destabilize the political climate and hinder progress. It is time the opposition stopped chasing shadows and started engaging in nation-building.

If Nigeria is to move forward, political actors must set aside bitterness and embrace a forward-thinking agenda. Targeting those who are actively contributing to national progress only reinforces their own irrelevance and disconnect from the needs of the people.

* Lawal Umar Maradun, Ph.D., fnipr, arpa. is the Special Adviser to the Hon. Minister of State for Defence.