The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has retracted its earlier claims against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, admitting that the allegations were based on misleading information allegedly orchestrated by political opponents.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, the chairman of the forum, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad, said the group was misled by “blown out of proportion” narratives, which he now believes were part of a coordinated attempt to discredit the former Zamfara State governor.
“We wish to unequivocally state that the content of the earlier press text was a political witch-hunt, deliberately propagated by those envious of the Minister’s achievements and committed to distracting him from his duties,” Muhammad said.
He described Matawalle’s tenure as governor of Zamfara from 2019 to 2023 as one marked by “unprecedented success, loyalty to the people, and far-reaching developmental strides across critical sectors.”
The forum listed key projects executed under Matawalle’s administration, including the construction of a new airport, roads, healthcare facilities, and a water supply system. It also mentioned the procurement of over 200 patrol vehicles and ambulances to strengthen security, alongside the installation of solar-powered street lights in Gusau, the state capital.
On education, Muhammad noted that the former governor cleared backlogs of WAEC and NECO fees, established ICT centres, and improved state infrastructure through strategic investments such as the purchase of Best Premier Hotel in Abuja.
He accused the Zamfara State Government of allegedly funding a campaign to smear Matawalle’s reputation, claiming over N2 billion was being spent to sponsor further negative press.
“We call on the public to disregard any such press conferences that may follow. These are part of a wider campaign to paint the Minister in bad light ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.
The CNF chairman further praised Matawalle’s ongoing role in the federal cabinet, particularly in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda through his contributions to national security.
“We deeply commend this administration for its efforts at building a new Nigeria and encourage citizens to key into the opportunities it offers,” Muhammad added.