The Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, accusing him of neglecting his official responsibilities in favour of personal political ambitions.
In a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Halliru Andi, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, the PDP described Matawalle’s absence from his constitutional duties as “noticeable and worrying.”
“The Zamfara State chapter of the PDP wishes to remind the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, that as a public servant, his primary duty is to serve the people, not personal interests,” the statement read.
The party acknowledged a directive by former governor and APC leader, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, urging party members interested in contesting the 2027 governorship election to begin mobilising support. However, it faulted Matawalle for allegedly abandoning his ministerial duties at a time when insecurity in the country, particularly in Zamfara, remains a major concern.
The PDP urged the minister to focus on tackling the persistent killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property by bandits in Zamfara, stressing that doing so would justify the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“As Minister of Defence, you must place your constitutional duties above any other personal interest,” the party stated.
It further condemned what it described as Matawalle’s “nonchalant attitude” towards the security crisis, warning that the Defence Ministry must not be turned into “a ministry of politicking.”
“The PDP cannot continue to watch the barbaric killings of innocent people, kidnappings, and destruction of property by bandits while you pay no attention to their suffering. Abandoning your duty post to pursue political ambitions cannot be tolerated anymore,” the statement added.
The party urged the minister to take its concerns seriously and recommit himself to addressing the worsening insecurity in the state and across the country.
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