By Christina Ocholi
The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has accused the Zamfara State Government of sponsoring a well-funded smear campaign aimed at discrediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
In a press statement signed by the forum’s Chairman, Comrade Danjuma Paul, the group alleged that a staggering sum of about two billion naira has been released to various groups tasked with organizing press conferences and disseminating negative narratives targeted at both the President and the Defence Minister.
The NSCF, a group known for its advocacy for peace and unity in Nigeria, said the alleged campaign is designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation and call into question President Tinubu’s judgment in appointing him into the federal cabinet.
“These are orchestrated attacks with the sole aim of undermining a key figure in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity,” the statement read. “Matawalle’s track record in public service is well documented. These recent attempts to damage his image are politically motivated and based on no verifiable facts.”
The group said the alleged plot includes plans to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reopen investigations into Matawalle’s tenure as governor of Zamfara State. It emphasized that these calls lack credible justification and appear to be driven by political vendettas.
“Matawalle has always been committed to the fight against insecurity, especially during his time as Governor of Zamfara,” Comrade Paul stated. “Now, as Defence Minister, he remains focused on national service. These baseless attacks only serve to distract from that mission.”
According to the NSCF, opposition to Matawalle’s appointment stems from local political rivalries within Zamfara. The group accused certain elites of feeling threatened by the minister’s rising national profile and seeking to diminish his influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The timing of these smear campaigns is telling,” the forum noted. “As political interests clash ahead of 2027, some factions are trying to control the narrative by launching coordinated attacks against their perceived opponents.”
The group condemned what it described as the deliberate spread of misinformation, warning that such actions have far-reaching implications beyond personal reputations.
“At a time when Nigeria is battling severe security threats, engaging in divisive and false campaigns is both reckless and dangerous,” the forum said. “Such rhetoric not only targets individuals but undermines national unity and the fight against insecurity.”
The forum stressed that sabotaging efforts at the federal level—especially in the Defence Ministry—could worsen the already dire security situation in Zamfara and other northern states grappling with armed banditry and insurgency.
Comrade Paul called on security agencies, including the police and other intelligence institutions, to investigate those allegedly behind the smear efforts.
“Political blackmail must not be tolerated,” he said. “Those behind these defamatory activities must be exposed and held accountable. Disinformation is a form of political violence, and it must be treated as such.”
Zamfara State has long been one of the epicenters of insecurity in Nigeria, with ongoing conflicts between criminal groups and security forces. The forum said Matawalle’s appointment was widely regarded as a strategic move by President Tinubu to bring in someone with field experience to help coordinate better responses to the crisis.
Despite ongoing political tension, the forum noted that Matawalle has remained focused and undistracted by attacks on his character.
In an earlier statement, the Defence Minister described the campaigns against him as baseless and politically motivated. He reaffirmed his commitment to securing Nigeria and working collaboratively with state governments and local communities.
“My focus remains the safety and protection of all Nigerians,” Matawalle said. “These attempts to derail our national efforts will not succeed.”
The NSCF concluded its statement with a call for unity, urging political actors across the country to set aside self-interest and prioritize the nation’s stability and security.
“The road to lasting peace is paved with collective responsibility,” the forum said. “We must come together—regardless of political affiliation—to face the real enemies of our nation: insecurity, division, and misinformation.”
ENDS
Middle-Belt Times 