BREAKING: Tinubu To Probe Defence Minister, Matawalle Over Terror Support
Sheikh Murtala Asada, a prominent Islamic scholar in Sokoto State, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to investigate the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to prove its sincerity in combating insecurity.
The cleric in a viral video clip emphasised that nothing should prevent the Federal Government from investigating Matawalle and others accused of supporting terrorism in Nigeria’s Northwest region if they are serious about fighting banditry.
Asada’s call comes after Mohammed Bello Turji, a notorious bandit terrorising residents of Zamfara and Sokoto states, released a video accusing the defence minister of backing terrorism in the region.
However, the minister has denied the allegations.
Turji’s video also referenced earlier accusations by Asada about bandits and their sponsors operating in the region.
In the video of Asada preaching in Sokoto, the cleric questioned the government’s commitment, asking, “Is Bello Matawalle supposed to continue holding the position as the Minister of State for Defence up to this moment because all evidence has been proven against him or has it not?”
The congregation responded affirmatively, shouting ‘yes!’
Asada continued, “This simply shows that the Federal Government is only wasting its time negotiating with these bandits when those sponsoring the bandits are within the cities.”
He urged the Muslim community to seek divine intervention through prayers, attributing Turji’s revelations to the power of prayer.
“God forced him to speak up,” Asada stated, noting that Turji’s claims confirmed the presence of bandits in Sokoto.
The scholar also called on the Sokoto State Government to apprehend and prosecute those aiding banditry in the state.
“We are asking the government of Sokoto to hasten efforts to arrest and investigate those aiding and abetting banditry,” he stressed.
Asada prayed for divine intervention to control the situation, wishing that those causing Nigeria’s troubles would face similar hardship.
“May Allah empower and protect any person who is wishing good for this country wherever they are,” he concluded.
