Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has come to the defense of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, amidst growing calls for his removal following allegations of embezzlement raised by the Zamfara State government.
In a passionate social media post on Friday, Fani-Kayode criticized those advocating for Matawalle’s sacking, labeling their claims as baseless and politically motivated.
The controversy surrounding Bello Matawalle, who previously served as the governor of Zamfara State, erupted when the state government accused him of embezzling billions of Naira intended for a cargo airport project. These allegations have led to increased pressure for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismiss the minister from his cabinet.
However, Femi Fani-Kayode staunchly defended Matawalle, dismissing the allegations as unsubstantiated and part of a deliberate smear campaign orchestrated by his political enemies in Zamfara State.
In his statement, Fani-Kayode stated, “Those who have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove my friend and brother, Bello Matawalle, the former Governor of Zamfara State, as the Minister of State for Defence, are on a wild goose chase.”
He continued, “I say this because, firstly, the unsubstantiated allegations being made against him are false and are nothing but part of a well-sponsored and well-orchestrated plot by his enemies in Zamfara State to discredit and destroy him.”
Fani-Kayode emphasized Matawalle’s long-standing loyalty and support for President Tinubu, highlighting that he was the first governor in the North West to align himself with Tinubu long before the presidential campaign even started.
He also praised Matawalle for building bridges of trust between the North and the South West through his dedication and hard work.
“The notion that President Bola Tinubu would contemplate dropping him from his cabinet simply because of the baseless allegations being peddled about him, and after he has displayed such unalloyed support and unquestioning loyalty, is absurd,” Fani-Kayode declared.
He concluded by expressing his confidence in Matawalle’s abilities, stating, “I have known him for many years; he is a profoundly good man, and he shall do an excellent job as Minister of State for Defence.”
Those that have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove my friend and brother Dr. Bello Matawalle, the former Governor of Zamfara state, as the Minister of State for Defence are on a wild goose chase.
I say this because firstly the unsubstantiated allegations being made… pic.twitter.com/OD1MqBiu1J
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) November 10, 2023
The defense of Minister Bello Matawalle by Femi Fani-Kayode adds a new dimension to the ongoing controversy and highlights the political complexities surrounding the allegations against the former Zamfara State governor. President Tinubu’s response to the calls for Matawalle’s removal from the cabinet remains eagerly awaited, as the nation watches closely to see how this situation unfolds.
