APC Group Petitions Tinubu, Calls For Sacking Of Minister Matawalle Over Alleged Involvement In $2.1Billion Arms Deal
The Kaduna-based socio-political pressure group, APC Akida Forum, has submitted a petition to President Bola Tinubu, alleging the involvement of one of his ministers in the $2.1 billion arms deal scandal. Signed by Chairman Mallam Musa Mahmud, the petition urges the President to consider removing the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, due to his purported implication in defrauding Nigeria of billions of dollars through the arms deal.
Mahmud emphasized the importance of appointing an honest individual to sensitive positions, stressing that Matawalle’s alleged corruption stains render him unfit for office. The group reminded the President of ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into Matawalle’s alleged N70 billion fraud during his tenure as Zamfara governor.
The petition highlighted the EFCC’s accusations of mismanagement of public funds, awarding of phantom contracts, and diversion of over N70 billion. It noted revelations from contractors who claimed that funds meant for projects were diverted and converted into hard currency, implicating the governor and his aides.
Concerning the $2.1 billion arms deal, the group asserted that Matawalle is among those implicated in the scandal, receiving payments without contractual agreements. APC Akida Forum urged the President to allow the EFCC to continue probing Matawalle’s alleged financial misconduct and involvement in the arms deal, emphasizing the importance of accountability and deterring corruption in public office.