₦airaland Forum

Minister Matawalle in trouble over old video of him allegedly ‘defending’ some bandits


A cross section of Nigerians have initiated a call for Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle’s resignation over an old video of him currently circulating online.

The video recorded by Channels TV in 2021 captured Matawalle, who was then, the Governor of Zamfara State, defending some trouble makers in the state.

Matawalle made the comment at the State House, Abuja after meeting with the then President, Muhammadu Buhari.

While answering questions from journalists on the activities of bandits in Zamfara State, Matawalle said “not all of them are criminals”.

“Not all of them are criminals. If you investigate what is happening, and what made them to take the laws into their hands, some of them, sometimes were cheated by so-called the vigilante group.

“They normally go to their settlements and destroy property and take their animals. They did not have anyone to speak with, so sometimes, they go for revenge. When the vigilante group attacks them, they go for reprisals. That is exactly what happened,” Matawalle said.

The video resurfaced online shortly after Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, tendered his resignation.

Here are some of the reactions from X, formerly Twitter as compiled by DAILY POST correspondent.

@A6udawud: “Matawalle always approach bandits with negotiation rather than fighting them. He negotiated for the kebbi girls’ release.

“Tinubu should take out Matawalle who turns the Defence Ministry into a campaign hub”.

@tkayose: “The now minister of state of defence former zamfara state governor matawalle once said.

“No wonder the APC Tinubu govt keep using bandits in place of terrorist. Why hasn’t matawalle and Gumi been arrested?”

@engr_shaibu_: “Matawalle said bandits aren’t criminals. Just misunderstood victims.

“Now he’s Minister of Defence. This empty head and terrorists sympathizer is now the one writing our security policy. He needs to be sacked immediately!”

@RealQueenBee__: “You who he was, and still gave him the job. I blame you not him”.

Iagos:
Chaiiii!!! His English is really terrible. Like, really, really terrible. How did he even become a minister?

Iagos:
Chaiiii!!! His English is really terrible. Like, really, really terrible. How did he even become a minister?

Racoon:
Who is surprised? This same man with corruption hanging on his neck was made the MOSD in Nigeria by Tinubu.

Same man that these terrorists took a leeway and have a lifeline during his inglorious tenure as governor?

He explained that when some local vigilante groups carryout investigations in their area, they sometimes destroy their settlement and make away with their cows, Matawalle claims that such incidents push some groups into retaliatory actions, contributing to the cycle of violence.

Chucksone:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzANTF7tTDM?si=dDpFkflocbMD-AKU

The Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, has made a controversial statement regarding bandits activities in Nigeria. According to him, not all bandits are criminals, claiming that some of them engage in violence activities as an act of revenge.

He explained that when some local vigilante groups carryout investigations in their area, they sometimes destroy their settlement and make away with their cows, Matawalle claims that such incidents push some groups into retaliatory actions, contributing to the cycle of violence.

His remarks have sparked mixed reactions across the country. While some argue that his comments highlight the complexity of rural conflicts, others believe the Minister’s statement risks sending the wrong message about criminal activities associated with banditry.

Security analysts emphasize that regardless of motive, bandit attacks continue to threaten lives, property, and national stability.

What do you think about the Minister’s statement 🤔

Amotolongbo:
This is the reason why Nigeria is losing the war to the terrorists.

This should be the next minister to be forced to tender the resignation letter based on “health grounds”

dominique:
Tinubu should never allow any northerner at the helm of security, how do you espect people that are sympathetic towards criminal bandits effectively defeat them. We know his appointments are based on loyalty to him not competence, he should fix northerners elsewhere abeg.