APC Akida Forum Pushes for Tinubu’s Minister Investigation
Seek Clarity on Alleged Ties to Criminal Figures
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered outside the Department of State Services (DSS) Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, calling for an investigation into the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The group urged DSS to probe Matawalle’s alleged involvement in sponsoring bandits, following accusations from the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal.
Under the banner of the APC Akida Forum, the supporters asserted that the allegations against Matawalle, made by his successor Lawal, go beyond politics and threaten security and governance. Speaking to journalists, Musa Mahmud, chairman of the APC Akida Forum, explained that Governor Lawal had repeatedly expressed concerns in televised interviews, emphasizing that these were serious issues inherited upon taking office.
“These issues include allegations that Bello Matawalle, the previous governor and current junior defence minister, has connections with bandit sponsors and has misappropriated state funds. This impacts governance, security, and citizens’ welfare in Zamfara State and beyond,” Mahmud stated.
He added, “As loyal party members, we believe it’s our duty to seek an impartial investigation to protect the party’s integrity and support the president’s efforts against corruption. Addressing these concerns is essential to uphold the credibility of security agencies and our government.”
Mahmud stressed that these matters go beyond political differences, affecting citizens’ safety, economic stability, and fundamental rights. “Our appeal to the DSS is based on Nigerians’ trust in its role as a key institution,” he said.
The group called on the DSS to independently investigate the allegations against Matawalle, with Mahmud noting, “Loyal party members like us are concerned about the damage done to the president’s reputation due to past actions linked to figures like Bello Matawalle.”
He further appealed to DSS to recommend that President Tinubu relieve Matawalle of his duties temporarily to enable a full investigation. “The Minister of State for Defence must clarify his connections with notorious figures like Bello Tagoji, Musa Kamarawa, and Ardon Zuru to restore public trust in our institutions,” he concluded.
