The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North West zone has issued a stern warning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, demanding evidence or an apology for accusations leveled against Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, of providing palliatives to bandits.
During a press briefing in Kaduna, the APC North West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Musa Mada, emphasized the importance of constructive criticism but cautioned against baseless allegations that violate freedom of speech.
Mada condemned what he described as persistent defamation of Matawalle by the PDP-led government in Zamfara, urging the accusers to substantiate their claims or face legal repercussions.
The APC accused certain individuals with ties to the PDP of orchestrating the slanderous campaign and vowed to pursue legal action if evidence is not presented by April 14, 2024.
“Without mincing words, we as a party strongly suspect this slanderous propaganda to have been sponsored by individuals very much related to the PDP Government in Zamfara State. In fact, we have particular suspects as we mentioned one among the rest and we are confident that we will get hold of all the necessary evidence that we will use against them in the court of law as an investigation into the matter is already ongoing,” the APC said.
“If no action is taken from the side of the sponsors of this fake news on expiration of the ultimatum, on 14th April 2024, legal action will be instituted against them.
“It has come to our notice that some unscrupulous elements in this geopolitical zone, particularly Zamfara State made it their daily habit of using instruments of mainstream and the new media to tarnish the image of our party leaders.
“Similarly, it is well known fact that the PDP opposition government in Zamfara made a name for itself in slandering the immediate past Governor of the state, Bello Muhammad Matawalle the Honorable Minister of State, Defence.
“As a party, we concede that slandering any of our members with ulterior motives is as good as attacking the structural foundation of our great party, which is intolerable, let alone defaming the character and questioning the integrity of our leaders who earned their reputation through selfless service to the greater good of the entire nation.
“While we welcome positive criticism from the oppositions that does violate the provisions of freedom of speech, we will not condone any form of vituperation that overstepped boundaries of provisions of the laws of the land.
“This gravy allegation can never be overlooked, therefore, sponsors must either provide proof of the alleged Foodstuff distribution or tender apology to the Honorable Minister of State Defence Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle in the pages of at least two national dailies within two weeks from now.
“If no action is taken from the side of the sponsors of this fake news on the expiration of this ultimatum, on 14th April 2024, legal action will be instituted against them.”
