, known as the APC Akida Forum, staged a protest at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding an investigation into the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over alleged ties to banditry.){kind=link}
A faction within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), known as the APC Akida Forum, staged a protest at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding an investigation into the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over alleged ties to banditry.
The forum, which operates from Kaduna State, expressed deep concerns about the deteriorating security situation, particularly in Zamfara State, where banditry has wreaked havoc on the lives of residents.
The protest was triggered by allegations made by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who accused his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, of sponsoring bandits and mismanaging state funds.
Governor Lawal’s accusations have included claims linking Matawalle to key figures involved in bandit activities.
Mallam Musa Mahmud, the leader of the APC Akida Forum, called on the DSS to launch an independent investigation into the serious accusations against Matawalle.
He clarified, “We are not here to condemn the minister, but to protect millions of Nigerians and uphold the integrity of the president and our security agencies.”
Mahmud urged the DSS to advise President Tinubu to suspend Matawalle, allowing him to face an investigative panel and clear his name.
He also demanded that Matawalle provide explanations regarding his alleged connections to individuals like Bello Tagoji, Musa Kamarawa, and Ardon Zuru, who have been linked to bandit activities.
The protesters emphasized that their demands were beyond political lines, highlighting the significance of national security and human rights.
However, the APC Akida Forum called for Matawalle’s resignation to enable a thorough investigation, stressing that it would help safeguard both his personal reputation and that of the APC.