The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the latest allegations levelled against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, describing the petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as politically motivated, unsubstantiated, and part of a calculated campaign to weaken a key loyalist of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Reacting to the protest at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, led by the self-styled mushroom group working for the Zamfara state governor, HURIWA expressed concern over what it described as a sustained, well-coordinated smear campaign orchestrated by desperate political actors, many of whom are insiders within the corridors of power in Zamfara state and are allegedly displeased with Matawalle?s rising profile and unwavering loyalty to the President.

In a press statement issued on Saturday in Abuja and made available to journalists, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated: ?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. 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.?

HURIWA stressed that it was deeply concerned that some so-called civil society organizations and groups masquerading as pro-reform platforms are now being hijacked and weaponized by disgruntled politicians, who are unsettled by Matawalle?s growing relevance in President Tinubu?s government.

?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 group further expressed concern that the EFCC risks becoming a tool for political witch-hunts rather than a neutral, evidence-driven anti-graft body.

?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 HURIWA acknowledged the need for accountability and transparency in governance, it emphasized that such principles must not be manipulated to serve parochial or ethnic interests. The group recalled that this was not the first time individuals or groups had mobilized under questionable identities to orchestrate public outcries aimed at discrediting Matawalle.

?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 human rights advocacy group also highlighted Dr. Matawalle?s notable contributions in his current role as Minister of State for Defence. According to HURIWA, since his appointment, the former Zamfara State governor has shown extraordinary commitment to national security reforms, military welfare, and civil-military cooperation, often embarking on field visits to frontlines and engaging with military commanders.

?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.

The organization expressed disappointment that the same political establishment that failed to combat terrorism, banditry, and insecurity while in power in Zamfara and neighbouring states now seeks to shift blame to Matawalle, who has been among the most vocal defenders of the President?s security policies.

HURIWA further recalled its earlier position that Matawalle?s undiluted loyalty to President Bola Tinubu has attracted the envy of anti-Tinubu elements within the government, who are strategically deploying diversionary tactics to pit the EFCC against him.

?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.

While calling on the EFCC to independently and professionally scrutinize any petition before initiating an investigation, HURIWA insisted that the commission must act on facts, not public sentiment or pressure from politically compromised interest groups.

?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.

HURIWA reaffirmed its readiness to defend the integrity of public servants who are unfairly targeted for political reasons and warned that the trend of weaponizing institutions like the EFCC for internal vendettas sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria?s democracy.

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