Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has retracted the earlier press conference where allegations were made against former governor of Zamfara State and serving minister of state for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, saying they were misled.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna yesterday, the chairman of the group, Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, said he discovered that the information presented before him by the opposition was targeted at smearing the image of Matawalle and therefore called on the general public to disregard information contained in the earlier press conference.
He had earlier called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to open investigation against the minister on account of financial misappropriation when he served as governor of Zamfara State.
But retracting the call, Mohammed said, “I wish to unequivocally state that, I was misled by the information presented to me, and the content of the press text was blown out of proportion, a political witch hunt, deliberately orchestrated and propagated by the opposition who are envious of the Minister’s achievements, therefore dedicated to not only distracting him from diligently discharging his duties but also smearing his most respected and highly esteemed personality.
“It is on record that Honourable Bello Matawalle served Zamfara State superbly well with an unprecedented level of success, unwavering dedication, and loyalty to his people. His achievements have resonated in all sectors, from security, infrastructure, health, economy, and education.
“He oversaw the construction of a new airport, a crucial step towards economic growth and improved connectivity for the state, construction of roads, and improved the state’s water system”.
He further said the minister made significant strides in security infrastructure by purchasing over 200 Hilux vehicles and ambulances and installing solar-powered street lights in the state capital. He added that the healthcare sector also saw substantial investments, with the construction of special primary healthcare centers in all 147 wards in the state.
“His administration also settled backlogs of payments for NECO and WAEC examinations and focused on technology by establishing a Digital World ICT Center and a Command and Control Room in Gusau, thereby contributing to the economic development of the state,” he said.
Furthermore, Sani said, Matawalle’s achievements as Governor of Zamfara State include renovating the State House of Assembly, constructing a governor’s lodge in Kaduna, investing in liaison offices, including one in Abuja, and purchasing Best Premier Hotel in Abuja as a state investment.