From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has told the APC Akida Forum and others to leave the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, alone over N70 billion contract scandal.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko in a statement yesterday, said the series of attacks was a troubling trend of politically-motivated calumny aimed at undermining the integrity of public officials.
Onwubiko expressed concern over the tactics employed by the APC Akida Forum, cautioning against the proliferation of unsubstantiated allegations for political gain.
He advised Matawalle to explore litigations to silence those spreading defamatory falsehoods against him.
“The attacks on Minister Matawalle, orchestrated by vested interests with apparent political motives, follow a pattern of pure hatred for the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the total commitment of Matawalle to his administration.
“These attacks, veiled under the guise of activism or political dissent, are nothing but calculated attempts to undermine the integrity and effectiveness of a public servant dedicated to the betterment of Nigeria”, he said.
Emphasizing the need for impartiality and due process in addressing allegations against public officials, he called for evidence-based investigations and cautioned against the weaponization of law enforcement agencies for political purposes.
Also, he urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to refrain from being manipulated by political interests and uphold its mandate impartially.
“The EFCC’s high-profile addressing of these politically procured protesters against Matawalle appears to give credence to their unfounded allegations and encourages further acts of political rascality.
“We caution the EFCC against embarking on or encouraging frivolous protests against public office holders under the guise of issuing public assurances.
“The EFCC must uphold its mandate impartially and refrain from being manipulated by political interests seeking to settle scores or undermine legitimate government officials,” he said.
Furthermore, he highlighted Matawalle’s accomplishments as Minister of State for Defence, citing his strategic leadership in navigating geopolitical terrains, fostering regional collaboration, and spearheading peacekeeping endeavors.
“In the realm of strategic leadership, Minister Matawalle has demonstrated unparalleled prowess in navigating intricate geopolitical terrains, fostering regional collaboration, and spearheading peacekeeping endeavors, thus fortifying Nigeria’s security framework.
“Under Matawalle’s guidance, the Ministry of Defence has experienced remarkable progress in modernization endeavors, aimed at bolstering the nation’s military capabilities and preparedness to counter evolving security threats.
“Matawalle’s diplomatic finesse has yielded substantial enhancements in bilateral relations with crucial international partners, facilitating intelligence-sharing initiatives and collaborative counterterrorism efforts.
“Recognizing the paramount importance of human capital development, Matawalle has prioritized comprehensive training and capacity-building initiatives within the armed forces, ensuring their adeptness in addressing emerging security challenges.
“Therefore, we call for a resolute stance against baseless accusations and stand ready to provide unwavering support in affirming Minister Matawalle’s exemplary service and contributions to national security and conflict resolution”, he said.