Aide Links Anti-Matawalle Claims To Political Envy
The Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, Ibrahim Maigandi Dan Malikin Gidan Goga, has attributed recent attacks on the minister to what he described as political envy and bitterness from detractors.
He spoke at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, where he dismissed claims that Matawalle should not serve as Minister of State for Defence because he is not a member of the armed forces.
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He described the argument as baseless and historically inaccurate, saying Nigeria had witnessed several civilian Defence Ministers who performed with distinction.
Dan Malikin recalled Matawalle’s record as Governor of Zamfara State, explaining that he deployed both non-kinetic and kinetic strategies to combat banditry and kidnapping.
He said while genuine stakeholders acknowledged the efforts, political opponents twisted them and attempted to wrongfully link the former governor to the very criminals he worked to bring to justice.
According to him, the emergency security measures adopted in Zamfara were later embraced by Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger and Sokoto states, producing significant impact across the region.
He added that Matawalle consistently sought federal intervention to restore peace in communities battered by insecurity.
Dan Malikin also faulted allegations that Matawalle lacked the educational qualifications required for ministerial appointment, describing the claims as fabricated.
He stressed that the minister met all constitutional requirements and was duly screened and cleared by the Senate.
He argued that those peddling the allegations intentionally ignored competence, experience and leadership qualities—qualities he said Matawalle demonstrated from his early career as a classroom teacher to his current position in the Federal Executive Council.
The aide maintained that the latest wave of misinformation was triggered by Matawalle’s recent successful visit to Zamfara and the growing commendation he had received for his performance at the Ministry of Defence.
He said political rivals, unsettled by these developments, resorted to spreading falsehoods to discredit him.
“As the saying goes, a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes,” he said. “But ultimately, falsehood collapses when truth prevails.”
He urged Nigerians not to politicise insecurity, calling for unity and sincerity of purpose in efforts to confront the nation’s security challenges.
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