By Christian Simon
Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has withdrawn allegations previously made against former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defense, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, admitting that the group was misinformed by political opponents.
At a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, CNF Chairman Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed declared that the earlier statements were based on misleading information aimed at tarnishing Matawalle’s image.
“I wish to unequivocally state that I was misled by the information presented to me, and the content of the press text was blown out of proportion,” Mohammed stated. “It was a political witch hunt, deliberately orchestrated and propagated by the opposition who are envious of the Minister’s achievements.”
The chairman had earlier urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Matawalle for alleged financial impropriety during his tenure as governor, but has now retracted the call, labeling it part of a broader political strategy.
Mohammed praised Matawalle’s leadership in Zamfara, citing numerous achievements across critical sectors including security, infrastructure, health, education, and economic development.
He highlighted key projects such as the construction of a new airport, major road projects, water system improvements, and the procurement of over 200 Hilux vehicles and ambulances. He also noted the installation of solar-powered streetlights in the state capital and the establishment of primary healthcare centers in all 147 wards.
In education and technology, the former governor was credited with settling examination backlogs for NECO and WAEC, and establishing a Digital World ICT Center and a Command and Control Room in Gusau.
Mohammed also mentioned investments in infrastructure such as the renovation of the State House of Assembly, construction of a governor’s lodge in Kaduna, and the acquisition of Best Premier Hotel in Abuja as a state asset.
The CNF chairman alleged that the Zamfara State Government had released over two billion naira to fund a smear campaign against Matawalle, whom he described as a political threat to the current administration in the state.
“We call on the general public to disregard such toxic news and any future press conferences sponsored to malign the Minister,” he said. “Matawalle to the best of our knowledge did well as Governor and is presently doing extremely well in the security sector towards actualizing the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu.”
Mohammed concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to support the administration’s vision: “We deeply acknowledge and commend the efforts of this administration in restructuring and ultimately building a new Nigeria.”
ENDS
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