From Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
A socio-political group under the auspices of All Progressives Congress Northern Elites Development said it has uncovered many plots that instigated a youth protest against the Minister of State Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Alhaji Hashimu Ado Danmalam who address Journalists in Sokoto on Saturday on behalf of the group said it has identified an unnamed All Progressives Congress Lawmaker from Zamfara State who is conniving with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state to pitch protesters against the Minister of State.
The group however described the suspicious action of the APC lawmaker as “unnecessary, sabotage, and political intolerance” aimed at creating enmity and disunity for the progress of Zamfara
“All these sponsored campaigns of calumny and mischief against Minister Bello Matawalle are being sponsored by those who are not happy with his performances and defense against the perceived political enemies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the region.
“It is clear that the Honourable Minister of Defense State is targeted because of his commitment to the success of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, and publicly giving these perceived enemies of the President sleepless nights.
“Therefore, we understand that this member still has a grudge against the Presidency, especially by not supporting his candidature for the speakership which he is mistaken for Matawalle who had advised him to withdraw for Mr. President endorsed candidate, yet he refuses.
“So now it seems like a paid time to go the extra mile to sponsor such campaigns against Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
“There is no justification for the honourable member that belongs to the same party with the Minister to be going behind the curtain and descending very low with mischief and political propaganda against the Minister who is a brother and political leader in his state.
“He was accused of allegedly canvassing support and conniving with the senior officials of Zamfara state government under PDP to hire and sponsored some unsuspecting students from Nasarawa State University and youths roaming on the streets of Abuja for this nefarious campaign”
The group noted that the majority of protesting youths with placards against the Minister, seeking his prosecution by the EFCC have never traveled to Zamfara or understand the political intrigues of the state and likewise motives of their sponsors.
It therefore urged the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje to order immediate investigations into this development while supporting the EFCC investigations against any suspecting political office holders.
“We also wish to caution the EFCC against going emotional by leveraging such jokers parading themselves and their co-travellers to love Nigeria more than others in their bids to score cheap political goals”.