By Ada Odeh
The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a state-sponsored smear campaign allegedly being orchestrated by the Zamfara State Government to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Danjuma Paul, the forum alleged that approximately two billion naira has been released to certain groups to hold press conferences and circulate media content aimed at tarnishing the image of Minister Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, and to question his appointment into President Tinubu’s cabinet.
Comrade Paul stated that the forum, known for promoting peace and national unity, viewed the alleged campaign as politically motivated and dangerous to national cohesion. He accused certain political actors within Zamfara of instigating the media assaults due to their fears over Matawalle’s growing national influence.
“These campaigns of calumny are not grounded in evidence,” the statement read. “They are a deliberate attempt to destroy the reputation of a man who has dedicated himself to addressing Nigeria’s deep security challenges.”
According to the NSCF, the campaign includes plans to pressure the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reopen investigations into Matawalle’s tenure as governor—despite the lack of new evidence or legal grounds.
The group argued that such efforts are meant to weaken the Defence Minister’s credibility and distract him from his national responsibilities. It warned that the political attacks are not only unfair but could also undermine ongoing security operations in the North.
“Matawalle’s appointment as Minister of State for Defence came at a time when Nigeria urgently needed a hands-on approach to rising insecurity,” Comrade Paul said. “His experience as a former governor of a crisis-ridden state gives him a practical understanding of the threats facing our people.”
NSCF further claimed that the coordinated attacks appear to coincide with intensifying political maneuverings in Zamfara State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The forum alleged that these smear tactics are designed to weaken Matawalle’s influence both within the state and nationally.
“The timing of these attacks is too strategic to ignore. Political actors are clearly preparing for the next elections and are using these campaigns to eliminate perceived obstacles,” the statement continued.
Beyond the politics, the forum expressed concern that the continued circulation of falsehoods and half-truths could further divide the country at a time when national unity is essential.
“This isn’t just about one man,” Comrade Paul warned. “The kind of divisive rhetoric being peddled by these groups has serious implications for our national security. It creates distractions and undermines confidence in the government’s security agenda.”
He stressed that the fight against insecurity must be devoid of political interference, especially in states like Zamfara, which have been ravaged by banditry and violent crimes.
“We cannot afford to let personal ambitions sabotage the collective goal of peace and stability,” he added.
The NSCF called on law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Police and relevant security institutions, to investigate the funding and origin of the defamatory campaigns. It argued that spreading disinformation for political gain should be treated as a form of political violence.
“This is a deliberate assault on democracy and governance,” Paul said. “Those responsible must be identified and held to account.”
Zamfara has long been a flashpoint in Nigeria’s security crisis. Frequent clashes between state and federal officials over how best to tackle insecurity have fueled tensions. Despite this, Matawalle’s appointment to the federal cabinet was seen by many as a step toward synergy and more effective policy coordination.
In a previous statement, Matawalle dismissed the accusations as baseless, politically charged, and designed to derail his work. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the nation and commitment to working with all stakeholders to secure Nigeria.
“My focus has always been on the safety and well-being of Nigerians,” Matawalle said. “These distractions will not deter me from my mandate.”
The NSCF ended its statement with a broader warning: that unchecked misinformation and politically motivated attacks can corrode public trust and weaken democratic institutions.
“As the political climate heats up ahead of 2027, we must be vigilant. We must put Nigeria first,” the forum stated. “Unity and collaboration, not division and deceit, will deliver peace to this nation.”
ENDS
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