HURIWA Accuses Political Forces Of Targeting Tinubu Minister, Warns EFCC Against Witch-Hunt

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned what it describes as a politically motivated campaign of calumny against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) not to allow itself to be used as an instrument of political vendetta.

In a press statement issued in Abuja on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group expressed concern over recent protests at the EFCC headquarters, which it claims were organized by a “mushroom group” allegedly acting on behalf of Zamfara State political interests.

HURIWA described the petition submitted to the EFCC against the minister as unsubstantiated and part of a broader effort to discredit Matawalle, who is seen as a key loyalist of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a rising figure within the federal cabinet.

“This renewed offensive against Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle is nothing but a desperate and vindictive attempt by internal saboteurs—many of them from the Northern political establishment—to discredit a performing minister whose only offence is his uncommon loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief,” Onwubiko stated.

According to HURIWA, some political actors unhappy with Matawalle’s growing national relevance have launched sustained attacks through petitions, protests, and media campaigns. The group claimed that similar efforts to discredit Matawalle had occurred in May and September 2024, none of which yielded any credible evidence or prosecution.

“We have been approached by forces aligned with the Zamfara State governor to malign Matawalle, but we refused,” the statement alleged. “Several other groups, including the Northern Sociopolitical Network, have disclosed that attempts were made to bribe them with N200 million to smear the minister’s name.”

HURIWA cautioned the EFCC to resist political pressure and ensure that its operations remain rooted in verifiable evidence and due process. It warned that the anti-corruption agency risks being perceived as a tool for settling political scores if it entertains recycled and unproven allegations.

“We urge the Commission to act only within the limits of verifiable evidence. The EFCC must not be dragged into partisan warfare or used to undermine public officials whose track records show integrity and loyalty to the nation,” the group said.

HURIWA further alleged that the orchestrated campaign is fueled by resentment over Matawalle’s perceived closeness to President Tinubu and his growing clout within the national security structure. The group accused some elements within the federal establishment, especially from the North-West, of feeling threatened by his influence.

“These attacks are part of a pattern that begins with anonymous petitions, followed by media trials and public protests—all carefully staged to manipulate public perception, without any legal basis,” it added.

As of press time, neither the EFCC nor the Zamfara State government had responded to the allegations raised by HURIWA. The EFCC did not respond to messages when contacted.

However, while affirming its support for transparency and accountability in public service, HURIWA insisted that such principles should not be weaponized to serve parochial, ethnic, or partisan interests.

“Nigeria’s democracy must be rooted in the rule of law, not mob-driven smear campaigns disguised as civil protests. Selective justice and media trials have no place in a constitutional democracy,” Onwubiko concluded.

The organization reaffirmed its readiness to defend the rights and reputations of public servants who, in its view, are being unfairly targeted for political reasons. It also warned that the politicization of anti-corruption institutions could erode public confidence in the rule of law.

HURIWA Accuses Political Forces Of Targeting Tinubu Minister, Warns EFCC Against Witch-Hunt is first published on The Whistler Newspaper