Jadda Garko Condemns Malam Murtala Asada: “His Allegations Against Matawalle Are Baseless and Un-Islamic”
Jadda Garko Condemns Allegations Against Defence Minister Matawalle, Says Claims Violate Islamic and Social Values
Alhaji Jadda Garko, APC singer and Renewed Hope Ambassador, has strongly condemned allegations made by Malam Murtala Asada against the Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, describing the claims as condemnable, unjust, and inconsistent with the teachings of Islam and accepted social values.
Garko said the accusations amount to character assassination and reflect a deep disregard for moral and religious principles. He made the remarks in Abuja while addressing a rally of youths drawn from the North-West geopolitical zone, which he personally led. The rally was held under the theme, “Let the truth be told, no matter how bitter.”
Speaking at the gathering, Jadda Garko expressed shock at what he described as a growing breakdown of intellectual and moral distinction in public discourse, particularly among individuals who present themselves as religious scholars.
“It is surprising that some scholars and ignorant people are now taking the same line of learning, because I see Malam Murtala Asada building arguments without solid evidence,” he said.
Explaining the basis of his criticism, Garko accused Asada of spreading unsubstantiated claims against the Defence Minister.
“The reason I say this is that he released an audio claiming that Minister Matawalle arranged reconciliation with the notorious bandit who came out of prison, known as Kamarawa,” he stated.
He noted that events following the allegation further exposed what he described as inconsistency and emotional reactions.
“Then, the very next morning, the person who made that statement came out angrily, speaking emotionally and issuing counter-arguments, clearly suggesting that he acted without any concerns of Dr. Matawalle at all,” Garko added.
Questioning the logic behind the accusation, he challenged its credibility. “Do they think a governor would engage directly with Kamarawa, a person under serious suspicion?” he asked.
Providing clarification, Garko explained the position of the former Zamfara State government regarding Kamarawa’s involvement.
“The Matawalle administration called Kamarawa to serve as a mediator between bandits and the government for reconciliation and allowed him to speak to them,” he said.
He stressed that the government acted responsibly once allegations emerged.
“But later, when the government discovered serious allegations against him, it took action by handing him over to the authorities, and he was detained in prison,” Garko added.
Raising further concerns, he questioned the circumstances surrounding Kamarawa’s release.
“The real question now is: who released him, and through what means was he released? Truly, there is something that requires serious questioning,” he said.
Addressing allegations linking Matawalle to insecurity, Garko reminded the audience of the former governor’s public declarations and prayers.
“While he was governor, Matawalle publicly prayed to Allah, saying that if he was benefiting from what was happening, or supporting or financing banditry, may Allah not cover his faults,” he said.
He further recalled Matawalle’s appeal to pilgrims.
“Likewise, when pilgrims were preparing to go for Hajj, he asked them to pray for him on the Day of Arafah that whoever has a hand in insecurity, Allah should deal with him,” Garko stated.
According to him, such actions clearly contradict the allegations.
“You can clearly see that if he had any involvement, he would not make such prayers,” he said.
Garko also criticised what he described as selective condemnation of Matawalle over reconciliation efforts.
“What sin did Dr. Matawalle commit against people that his own side should not even be considered or that he should not be given the benefit of doubt?” he asked.
He noted that reconciliation was not unique to Matawalle’s administration.
“Many governors adopted reconciliation while they were in office, people like Aminu Bello Masari, Aminu Tambuwal, and others,” he said.
He described the focus on Matawalle alone as unfair and unjust.
“Why were they not challenged, and only Matawalle is being singled out? This is unfortunate and clearly unjust,” Garko stated.
Responding to claims by Kamarawa that cows slaughtered during Matawalle’s daughter’s wedding were stolen, Garko dismissed the allegation as baseless and misleading.
“It is very unfortunate that Kamarawa claimed that anyone who ate meat at Matawalle’s daughter’s wedding ate stolen cows,” he said.
He explained the figures cited in the allegation.
“He alleged that he was given ₦86 million to buy cows, each at ₦140,000, which would amount to 640 cows,” Garko said.
Questioning the plausibility of the claim, he added:
“Does that mean all those cows were slaughtered at the wedding? This is clearly false,” he stated.
Calling for rational thinking, he urged the public to reflect carefully.
“I urge people, for God’s sake, to use their sense and apply simple calculation and reasoning,” he said.
On international oversight, Garko emphasised that Nigeria remains under global observation.
“Do people think that non-governmental organizations and countries like America do not observe and monitor what is happening?” he asked.
He added that credible evidence would have triggered swift action.
“Without doubt, if such a serious crime or allegation against Matawalle were true, they would have long pressured for action to be taken,” he said.
Referencing recent developments, he noted:
“Remember that recently, a minister in President Tinubu’s government was removed over a document-related issue.”
He concluded on that point by saying:
“If this allegation were genuine, President Tinubu would have acted long ago.”
In his final remarks, Jadda Garko questioned the motive attributed to Matawalle.
“What exactly is Matawalle’s interest? He is not a gold miner,” he said.
He added:
“If it is said that he sponsors bandits, what does he gain from it?”
Recalling past security challenges, he stated:
“During the Yarima administration, Buharin Daji existed, and it was Matawalle who facilitated reconciliation.”
Jadda Garko concluded by calling on Nigerians to act with wisdom and conscience.