Matawalle Challenges Gov Lawal to Swear on Quran Over Banditry Allegations

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle ,has publicly challenged Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to swear on the Quran to prove his non-involvement in banditry. This challenge, issued during a televised interview on September 24, 2024, comes in response to Lawal's accusations linking Matawalle to banditry activities during his tenure as governor.

Matawalle, who has consistently denied any connections to banditry, recounted his own experience of taking an oath on the Quran to affirm his innocence. "Let me remind you when I was a governor, I was the only governor that swore by the Holy Quran that I have no hand or connections with banditry," Matawalle stated. He further emphasized, "I challenged all the politicians that time including Dauda, but none of them could take the oath."

The minister's challenge is not just directed at Governor Lawal but extends to all political figures in Zamfara State. "They are part of the banditry, if not, let them take the oath with the holy Quran openly with all the Imams in Zamfara State," Matawalle asserted. He highlighted that since his initial challenge, no other politician has taken the oath, which he believes speaks volumes about their involvement.