Unraveling the Unfounded Allegations Against the Minister of State for Defence
By Mohammed Bello Doka
In the relentless arena of Nigerian politics, the line between truth and fabrication often blurs, especially when powerful interests are at stake. The recent media onslaught against the Hon. Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, is a case in point. The former Governor of Zamfara State, now thrust into the national spotlight as a member of President Tinubu’s administration, has found himself at the center of a storm fueled by allegations that reek more of political maneuvering than of substance.
Over the past few weeks, the name of Bello Matawalle has been implicated by the likes of Bello Turji, Jackson Udeh, and their associates in accusations of illegal gold mining operations in the North. These allegations, however, gained even more traction with the arrest of Bashir Hadeja, a man now embroiled in accusations of treason, arms trafficking, and other international crimes. Notably, Hadeja was a long-time associate of Matawalle and served as his Senior Special Assistant on Mineral Resources during his tenure as governor.
The media has been quick to seize on these connections, painting a narrative that suggests Matawalle’s involvement in Hadeja’s alleged criminal activities. But what these reports fail to highlight is a critical aspect of the situation: the arrest of Bashir Hadeja was orchestrated on the direct orders of none other than Bello Matawalle himself. This fact alone should give pause to any who are quick to cast aspersions on the minister’s character. If Matawalle were truly complicit in Hadeja’s alleged crimes, would he have taken such a decisive step to have him apprehended?
Reports suggest that Bashir Hadeja was not merely taken into custody by the police, but was instead apprehended by Naval Officers at Matawalle’s behest and later handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS). This level of involvement by the minister indicates a commitment to justice and a willingness to act in the best interest of the nation, even at the expense of personal and professional relationships. It is the mark of a dedicated and patriotic leader, not of someone trying to cover up wrongdoing.
Furthermore, the broader context of these allegations cannot be ignored. The regions of Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna—where these alleged activities have been focused—are not only rich in gold deposits but are also plagued by banditry. This unfortunate combination has made these areas ripe for exploitation by those seeking to profit from instability. Yet, curiously, the North-Western states of Kano and Jigawa, which lack significant gold deposits, also experience the least terrorist activity. This correlation raises questions about the true motivations behind the attacks on Matawalle’s character.
The timing and nature of these accusations suggest a coordinated effort by powerful opponents who are determined to undermine Matawalle’s reputation and derail his political career. In a political climate where the stakes are high, it is not uncommon for ambitious rivals to resort to underhanded tactics in a bid to discredit those who stand in their way.
Bello Matawalle’s record of service to Zamfara State and now to the nation speaks to his dedication to public service. His actions in ordering the arrest of Bashir Hadeja, despite their past association, demonstrate a commitment to upholding the law and protecting the integrity of his office. The real story here is not one of guilt by association, but rather of a man who finds himself at the mercy of more powerful forces intent on tarnishing his image.
As this saga continues to unfold, it is imperative that further investigation be conducted to uncover the truth behind these allegations. Only then can we fully understand the motivations driving this media trial and restore fairness to the narrative surrounding Bello Matawalle, a man whose patriotism and dedication to Nigeria should not be overshadowed by the machinations of his political adversaries.
*Bello Doka, the publisher of Abuja Network News, writes from Abuja Nigeria.*
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