The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has challenged the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, to swear with the Holy Quran to prove he knew nothing about banditry in the state.
Matawalle said he has no hand in banditry in the state. The former governor of Zamfara State further challenged anyone accusing him of being involved in the banditry activities to bring proof.
Speaking with Channels TV on Tuesday, Matawalle said, “They should bring any proof of that.”
He added that allegations from Governor Lawal were unfounded. He explained that the allegations were based on his dialogue with the bandits which other governors had done.
The Minister of State for Defence continued, “Because I dialogue, it was not only I, remember all the governor dialogue, the governor of Niger state dialogue with bandits, the governor of Sokoto did the same. while only me because it is Zamfara.
“Zamfara is a very complex state with terrible human beings with devilish ideas. Let me remind you I was the only governor that swore to the Holy Quran that I have no hand or connection with banditry or I am not happy with what is happening that if I am happy or if I am part of it or if I know those doing it or if I am collaborating with them God should not give me one-second grace.
“I challenged all the politicians, including General Ali Gusau and Dauda Lawal, to do the same. None of them could take the oath, and if they don’t take the oath that means they are part of it.
“I have always acted in good faith, as have other governors who engaged in dialogue with bandits, including the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, and the Governor of Sokoto State. Yet, I seem to be singled out, perhaps because Zamfara is a complex state with terrible human beings with devilish ideas.”
