The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has strongly condemned attacks against Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
HURIWA, in a statement by Emmanuel Onwubiko, its National Coordinator, advised Matawalle to explore litigation to silence those spreading defamatory falsehoods against him.
The association emphasised that the attacks on Matawalle, led by the APC Akida Forum, represent a troubling trend of politically motivated calumny aimed at undermining the integrity of public officials.
HURIWA expressed concern over the tactics employed by the APC Akida Forum, cautioning against the proliferation of unsubstantiated allegations for political gain.
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HURIWA particularly condemned the recent protest staged by the APC Akida Forum at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding the prosecution of Matawalle over alleged financial mismanagement during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State.
The association denounced the protest as an attempt to subvert the rule of law and undermine principles of justice.
“The attacks on Matawalle, orchestrated by vested interests with apparent political motives, follow a pattern of pure hatred for the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the total commitment of Matawalle to his administration.
“These attacks, veiled under the guise of activism or political dissent, are nothing but calculated attempts to undermine the integrity and effectiveness of a public servant dedicated to the betterment of Nigeria”, HURIWA said.
Emphasizing the need for impartiality and due process in addressing allegations against public officials, HURIWA called for evidence-based investigations and cautioned against the weaponization of law enforcement agencies for political purposes.
The association urged the EFCC to refrain from being manipulated by political interests and uphold its mandate impartially.
