Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has dismissed claims that Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, is involved in sponsoring bandits and contributing to insecurity. During an appearance on Arise TV, Onanuga addressed questions about why Matawalle was retained in the cabinet after recent ministerial changes.
He acknowledged the circulating allegations regarding Matawalle’s purported role in the insecurity issues plaguing Zamfara State but emphasized that these claims have been investigated and proven unfounded. “Many stories have emerged alleging Matawalle’s involvement in such activities, and even President Tinubu is aware of these rumors,” Onanuga stated.
However, he clarified that the office of the National Security Adviser has thoroughly examined these allegations and found them to be baseless. “From my perspective, these are just allegations. I once forwarded some of these claims to the NSA, who confirmed that they were false. People are generating all sorts of misleading information about him,” he explained.
Onanuga’s remarks highlight Matawalle’s integrity and capability to fulfill his duties effectively. He added, “The fact that Matawalle remains in his position demonstrates that these claims have been investigated and disproven.”
It’s worth noting that both Matawalle and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal have publicly accused each other of supporting banditry in the past, further complicating the narrative surrounding their roles in addressing security issues in the state.
