By Adam Luka
Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has withdrawn earlier allegations made against former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defense, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, admitting that the group acted on misleading information fed by political opponents.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday, CNF Chairman Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed said he had since realized that the claims were part of a targeted smear campaign designed to damage Matawalle’s reputation.
“I wish to unequivocally state that I was misled by the information presented to me, and the content of the press text was blown out of proportion,” Mohammed said. “It was a political witch hunt, deliberately orchestrated and propagated by the opposition who are envious of the Minister’s achievements.”
Previously, Mohammed had called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Matawalle for alleged financial mismanagement during his time as governor. He has now backtracked, denouncing the call as politically motivated and baseless.
Highlighting Matawalle’s achievements, Mohammed cited significant developments in infrastructure, health, education, and security. These included the commencement of a new airport project, road construction, and major upgrades to the state’s water supply.
He also noted the procurement of over 200 Hilux vehicles and ambulances, solar-powered streetlights for the state capital, and healthcare investments including the construction of primary health centres across all 147 wards in Zamfara.
In education, the former governor was credited with settling examination fees for NECO and WAEC, as well as investing in technology infrastructure such as the Digital World ICT Center and a Command and Control Room in Gusau.
Mohammed further stated that Matawalle’s administration renovated the State House of Assembly, built a governor’s lodge in Kaduna, invested in liaison offices including one in Abuja, and purchased Best Premier Hotel in Abuja as a state-owned asset.
He alleged that over two billion naira had been released by the current Zamfara State Government to finance a misinformation campaign against the Minister.
“We call on the general public to disregard such toxic news and any future press conferences sponsored to malign the Minister,” he said. “Matawalle to the best of our knowledge did well as Governor and is presently doing extremely well in the security sector towards actualizing the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu.”
Mohammed concluded by urging Nigerians to support the federal government’s efforts: “We deeply acknowledge and commend the efforts of this administration in restructuring and ultimately building a new Nigeria.”
ENDS
Middle-Belt Times 