False Allegations, Blackmail Against Matawalle: Group Urges Dauda to Step Down and Seek Allah’s Mercy

The North West Peace and Progress Forum (N-WPPF) has called on Governor Dauda Lawal to vacate his office and seek divine forgiveness after several individuals confessed that they were allegedly sponsored by his administration to circulate false accusations and blackmail against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr.

In a statement released on Friday and endorsed by the forum’s convener, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, the group referenced the confessions to condemn the governor’s conduct, stressing that public resources were misapplied at a time when insecurity, poverty, and hardship in Zamfara State continue to worsen.

According to Alhaji Gusau, the disclosures “confirm that the governor’s team, through his spokesperson, coordinated meetings, issued directives, and channelled over five hundred million naira in taxpayers’ funds to hire political commentators, social media influencers, and media outlets for an orchestrated smear campaign.”

He added that the operation aimed to spread damaging and fabricated content about Dr. Matawalle, even though those involved were aware the claims were false. He cited this as a grave act of misgovernance that diverted scarce resources while the state struggles with deepening crises.

The forum further stated that Governor Lawal has displayed an unwavering resolve to discredit his predecessor, placing political hostilities above the responsibilities of leadership.

“While the governor remains fixated on these unfounded attacks, Zamfara has plunged to unprecedented levels of poverty, suffering, and insecurity,” Alhaji Abdullahi said.

He pointed out that the state continues to witness rising abductions, bandit attacks, and economic stagnation, noting that such distractions have emboldened violent groups and reversed gains recorded under Dr. Matawalle’s administration, when security coordination improved and communities began to revive.

Alhaji Abdullahi noted that despite detailed evidence contained in the confessions—including accounts of meetings and financial disbursements—the governor has neither denied involvement nor distanced himself from the sponsorship.

He urged Governor Dauda to “tender a heartfelt apology to the people of Zamfara for misusing their resources, reflect on the damage done, seek forgiveness from those wronged and from Allah, and step aside so that capable leadership can tackle the growing challenges.”

Quoting the Holy Qur’an, he added: “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’” (Qur’an 39:53).

Alhaji Gusau said the governor should embrace the verse and choose accountability.

The forum also appealed to Dr. Matawalle to forgive those involved in the smear campaign and remain steadfast in his national responsibilities.

The statement praised Dr. Matawalle’s dedication to national security, citing his recent signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on defence and military cooperation—including training, intelligence sharing, defence production, and joint operations—demonstrating his significant contributions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

They encouraged him to stay focused on his duties without distraction.

The group further asked anti-corruption agencies to investigate the revelations and underscored the need for unity among North-West leaders to confront banditry and advance development.

“Political deceit only harms our region; leaders must now prioritise service to the people,” Alhaji Abdullahi concluded.