No Evidence of NSA Harassment – Matawalle’s Aide Fires Back at Zamfara Government

In a swift response to allegations by the Zamfara State Government, an aide to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Alhaji Suleiman Shinkafi, has dismissed claims that the minister is using the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to target opposition figures. Shinkafi described the accusations as politically motivated and devoid of factual basis, insisting that the reports are part of a smear campaign against both Matawalle and federal security institutions.

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Allegations of Political Harassment

The controversy began following claims by the Zamfara State Government that federal security agencies, allegedly acting under the influence of Matawalle, were harassing members of the opposition in the state. Reports emerged after the supposed abduction of Saleem Abubakar, a Technical Assistant to Governor Dauda Lawal, in Abuja. According to the state government, operatives linked to the NSA allegedly carried out the abduction without a warrant, raising concerns over due process and the neutrality of security institutions.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, described the incident as “shocking and distressing,” claiming that Abubakar was moved between undisclosed locations in an attempt to conceal his whereabouts. The statement further warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

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Matawalle’s Camp Denies All Claims

Responding to the allegations, Shinkafi told newsmen that there is no opposition in Zamfara State in the manner the state government portrays. “The PDP is the ruling party, while the APC is the opposition. I don’t think Matawalle is using the NSA or any other office to harass PDP members. Rather, it is the PDP members who are harassing the opposition,” he said.

Shinkafi further claimed that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara have faced intimidation and persecution since the 2023 governorship elections, which he alleged were flawed. According to him, about 16 APC members are currently in custody over politically related matters. “When they hijacked and snatched our votes in 2023 and forced themselves into government, I left Gusau. From that time till today, I have not freely stayed in Gusau,” he added.

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Political Tensions in Zamfara

Observers note that tensions between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC in Zamfara have remained high since the last gubernatorial election. Allegations of harassment and intimidation are not new, but the recent claims involving federal security agencies have escalated concerns over political neutrality and civil liberties in the state.

According to Akahi News gathered reports, such incidents, if substantiated, could undermine public confidence in the rule of law and the impartiality of security institutions. Analysts emphasise the need for transparency and adherence to due process in all political and legal matters, especially where high-ranking officials are allegedly involved.

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Calls for Legal and Political Accountability

While the Zamfara State Government continues to call on the presidency to rein in the NSA, Matawalle’s camp has maintained that all claims are unfounded and politically motivated. Shinkafi insisted that federal security institutions act independently of state-level political disputes and that the minister himself has no involvement in any abduction or harassment of opposition members.

Akahi News gathered that the debate has reignited discussions around the role of federal security agencies in state politics and the importance of safeguarding democratic processes. Observers believe that clarity from both the federal and state governments is necessary to prevent further political polarisation in Zamfara.

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As the tension persists, political watchers in Zamfara and across Nigeria are closely monitoring developments. The dispute highlights ongoing challenges in the interplay between state and federal authorities and raises questions about the enforcement of law and order in politically sensitive contexts.

For now, Matawalle’s camp continues to reject all allegations of harassment, while the Zamfara government maintains its position that the abduction of Abubakar represents a dangerous abuse of security apparatus for political ends.

Akahi News will continue to provide updates on this evolving story and analyse its implications for security, governance, and political accountability in Nigeria.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News www.akahinews.org

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