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The APC Akida Forum, a faction within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), organized a protest at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, calling for an investigation into the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over alleged links to banditry.
The forum, based in Kaduna State, raised serious concerns about the security and welfare of Nigerians, particularly those in Zamfara State, which has been severely affected by banditry.
The protest was sparked by accusations from Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who has publicly alleged that his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, sponsored bandits and misappropriated state funds.
Governor Lawal’s allegations have included claims of Matawalle’s ties to bandit leaders.
During the protest, the leader of the APC Akida Forum, Mallam Musa Mahmud, urged the DSS to conduct an independent probe into the serious allegations against Matawalle.
Mahmud stated, “We are not asking for the DSS to castigate the minister, but to protect millions of Nigerians and safeguard the integrity of the president and security agencies.”
He called on the DSS to advise the President to relieve Matawalle of his duties so that he could face an investigative panel.
Mahmud also reiterated the need for Matawalle to clarify his connections with individuals such as Bello Tagoji, Musa Kamarawa, and Ardon Zuru, who have reportedly been associated with banditry.
The protestors stressed that the issue transcends politics and is a matter of national security and human rights.
The APC Akida Forum concluded by urging Matawalle to step down and submit to a thorough investigation to preserve the integrity of his reputation and that of the APC.