&w=64&q=75)
Former governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Dr Sani Shinkafi, has called on Governor Dauda Lawal to cease making false allegations against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle.
Shinkafi labelled Lawal's accusations as politically motivated, stating that they were designed to tarnish Matawalle's impeccable reputation.
Shinkafi also praised Matawalle's role in the ongoing military offensive in the North West, crediting him with boosting morale among military personnel and dismissing claims of the Minister's involvement with bandits.
Lawal's accusations driven by political rivalry - Shinkafi
Shinkafi accused Governor Lawal of using falsehoods and media propaganda to discredit Matawalle.
In his statement, Shinkafi described Matawalle as a man of integrity who has been pivotal in tackling banditry in the North West.
READ ALSO: Matawalle calls on CDS to find, prosecute killers of Sokoto District Head, Bawa
He suggested that Lawal's accusations were driven by fear of Matawalle's rising political profile and aimed to mask Lawal's failures in governance.
Shinkafi also challenged Lawal to clarify his alleged links with banditry, citing a leaked memo from Zamfara's Ministry of Finance.
Focus on governance
Similarly, Shinkafi urged Lawal to focus on delivering the dividends of democracy rather than making baseless allegations against Matawalle.
READ ALSO: Matawalle refutes bandit kingpin's allegation of fueling terrorism
Shinkafi praised Matawalle's efforts in the fight against banditry, crediting him for military successes in neutralising notorious bandits in the North West.
He also criticised Lawal for what he described as "executive rascality" and called him to clear his name instead of indulging in media attacks.
Gov Lawal accused of shielding bandits
In another development, a coalition of civil society organisations, Situation Room on the War Against Banditry, has made serious allegations against Governor Lawal, accusing him of harbouring notorious bandit leader Turji Bello within the government house.
At a press conference, convener Nwogu Ndubisi revealed that Bello allegedly sought refuge in the government house following a military operation that disrupted his hideout.
The group also claims that Governor Lawal's administration has allocated over ₦1.3 billion to bandits and media propagandists, further fuelling the region's insecurity.
"Governor Lawal's relationship with bandits has raised concerns, particularly after the military's success in eliminating bandit leader Kachalla Halilu," Ndubisi stated, adding that Lawal has been more vocal about political opposition than supporting the military's efforts.
Ndubisi condemned the governor's alleged support for criminals, calling it a betrayal of the people of Zamfara.
"Turji Bello allegedly took shelter in the Zamfara State Government House for weeks," he said, urging Governor Lawal to resign.
The group urged the federal government to continue its offensive against bandits and called on Governor Lawal to address the growing accusations or step down from office, claiming his leadership has failed to prioritise the safety and security of Zamfara's citizens.