HURIWA urges Zamfara gov to focus on governance, not attack on Matawalle

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the smear campaign against former Zamfara State governor and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The group denounced Governor Dauda Lawal’s unsubstantiated allegations of Matawalle’s involvement in banditry and financial mismanagement.

HURIWA emphasized the lack of evidence in Lawal’s claims and highlighted Matawalle’s crucial role in the government’s anti-terrorism efforts. The association called for a focus on addressing state issues rather than engaging in political attacks.

Furthermore, HURIWA criticized Lawal’s extravagant spending on kitchen equipment for the First Lady amid poverty and insecurity in Zamfara State. The group commended Matawalle’s achievements, including infrastructure development, investment in security, and healthcare and education initiatives.

With Matawalle’s commitment to combating banditry and his tangible contributions to the state, HURIWA refuted calls for his resignation, suggesting that Governor Lawal step down instead. The group questioned Lawal’s financial transparency and defended Matawalle’s integrity and loyalty to the administration.