APC Supporters Demand Investigation Of Defence Minister Over Alleged Bandit Links.
Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered at the Department of State Services (DSS) Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, calling for an investigation into the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The group, known as the APC Akida Forum, requested that the DSS examine claims suggesting Matawalle’s alleged involvement with bandits.
The demand follows recent accusations made by the current Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, who alleged that his predecessor, Matawalle, had links to bandit groups and misused state funds. Speaking to journalists at the protest, APC Akida Forum Chairman Musa Mahmud expressed concern over the allegations and emphasised the importance of a thorough investigation.
“These issues go beyond politics,” said Mahmud. “They concern matters of life and death, economic survival, and the fundamental rights of citizens in Zamfara State, the Northwest, and the whole of Nigeria. It is crucial that the DSS, as an institution trusted by Nigerians, investigates these serious claims to uphold the integrity of our party and protect the reputation of our esteemed leader, President Tinubu.”
Mahmud emphasised that the group’s intent was not to target Matawalle personally but to address concerns that, if left unexamined, could impact the APC’s image and the security agencies’ credibility.
“We urge the DSS to investigate and, if necessary, advise the President to relieve Matawalle of his position while the investigation proceeds,” Mahmud added. He stated that such an action would allow the Minister to clarify his alleged connections with individuals suspected of involvement in banditry.
The APC Akida Forum underscored that the allegations were of national concern, impacting not only the security of Zamfara but also the wider Northwest region. They called on the DSS to conduct an impartial investigation to safeguard the integrity of both the APC and the nation’s security institutions.
