The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North West zone has issued a challenge to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, calling for concrete evidence to support allegations leveled against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, regarding the provision of palliatives to bandits. The APC cautioned that failure to provide substantiated proof would prompt legal action against the accusers.
Addressing reporters at a press conference held in Kaduna on Sunday, the APC North West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Musa Mada, emphasized the importance of constructive criticism in politics while warning against slanderous attacks that undermine freedom of speech. Mada specifically accused the PDP-led government in Zamfara of consistently resorting to character assassination against Matawalle, the former governor of the state.
The APC underscored the gravity of the allegations against Matawalle, dismissing them as “fake news” and insisting that they cannot be disregarded. The party demanded that those responsible for spreading these allegations either provide concrete evidence to support their claims or issue a public apology to the minister. This stance reflects the APC’s commitment to upholding accountability and fairness in political discourse.
“It has come to our notice that some unscrupulous elements in this geopolitical zone, particularly Zamfara State, made it their daily habit of using instruments of mainstream and the new media to tarnish the image of our party leaders.”
“Without mincing words, we as a party strongly suspect this slanderous propaganda to have been sponsored by individuals very much related to the PDP government in Zamfara State.”
“In fact, we have particular suspects as we mentioned one among the rest and we are confident that we will get hold of all the necessary evidence that we will use against them in the court of law as an investigation into the matter is already ongoing.”
“If no action is taken from the side of the sponsors of this fake news on expiration of the ultimatum, on 14th April 2024, legal action will be instituted against them,” part of the statement reads.
APC condemned the habit of tarnishing the image of its leaders through unfounded allegations, emphasising that such actions undermine the integrity of the party and its members.
The statement further reads: “As a party, we concede that slandering any of our members with ulterior motives is as good as attacking the structural foundation of our great party, which is intolerable, let alone defaming the character and questioning the integrity of our leaders who earned their reputation through selfless service to the greater good of the entire nation.”
“While we welcome positive criticism from the opposition that does not violate the provisions of freedom of speech, we will not condone any form of vituperation that overstepped boundaries of provisions of the laws of the land.”
“This grave allegation can never be overlooked, therefore, sponsors must either provide proof of the alleged foodstuff distribution or tender apology to the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle in the pages of at least two national dailies within two weeks from now.”