The officials of the Kaduna Human Rights Association of Nigeria (KAHRAN) have petitioned the Federal Government to immediately commence an investigation against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over allegations of sponsoring banditry in Zamfara State, made by Governor Dauda Lawal.
The Human Rights group lamented that since the advent of security challenges in the country, particularly in Zamfara State, billions of naira have gone down the drain with no meaningful results.
Specifically, the human rights association addressed the petition to the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and also copied the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, said Garba, on Wednesday, KAHRAN said, “Since the return of civilian rule in 1999 to date, only the Almighty God knows the amount of money spent and mismanaged in the fight against the bandits without achieving the desired result.
“We don’t want to believe that the present military operation under top brass military personnel and under the supervision of the Minister of State for Defence, who neither had nor acquired any previous military training in his life, is aimed at destroying human evidence that would supply credible information to the government regarding their sponsors.
“The same scenario played out in Maiduguri regarding the Boko Haram crisis. The Minister of Defence never had any military training either. Not even scout brigade training. Our dear President and father of the nation, the Jagaban and Asiwaju, who is here not to make money but to serve, cannot be a party to any plan to destroy the country.
“We humbly and respectfully urge you to commence a criminal investigation within 10 days of the receipt of this letter against the current Minister of State for Defence, based on the allegation by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, who has strong and credible evidence at his disposal to assist you in the discharge of your statutory duty under Section 4 of the Police Act.”
However, Garba vowed that if President Tinubu fails to open a probe against Matawalle, the human rights association will sue the federal government in court.
He said, “We shall commence legal action against you if you fail, neglect, or refuse to discharge your duties in the interest of our dear nation, Nigeria. We serve humanity.”