Maryam Aminu
The Kano High Court has issued a restraining order against the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and his associates, prohibiting them from engaging in a smear campaign against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Muhammed Matawalle.
The court also granted a restraining order on the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police, the Government of Zamfara State, Attorney General of the Federation, and several media outlets, pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion.
This legal development comes amid allegations that Governor Lawal has been making media appearances to defame Matawalle by linking him to banditry and corruption charges, without providing any credible evidence.
Matawalle’s supporters argue that these accusations are part of a larger plot to undermine his reputation, both within Zamfara State and at the national level, particularly as news circulates about a potential cabinet reshuffle under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the court’s order, Governor Lawal and his proxies, along with media outlets such as Vision Media Services Ltd, Vision FM, Farin Wata TV, Liberty Radio and TV, and prominent figures like Shuaibu Mungadi and Tijjani Ramalan, have been barred from further defaming Matawalle or disseminating unverified information against him.
The smear campaign, orchestrated by Governor Lawal, is believed to be a calculated effort to discredit Matawalle, who has seen his political influence grow significantly.
As a member of President Tinubu’s cabinet and a rising figure in Zamfara politics, Matawalle’s increasing prominence may have led to these desperate attempts by his opponents.
Sources suggest that Governor Lawal’s campaign against Matawalle may be motivated by the possibility of Matawalle’s reappointment in the anticipated cabinet reshuffle.
The attempts to tarnish Matawalle’s image appear to be aimed at undermining his chances of securing a continued role in Tinubu’s government.
The court has now intervened, emphasizing that the public should be cautious of any misinformation being spread by Governor Lawal or his proxies.
The court ruling makes it clear that any further attempts to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation will be viewed as a violation of the restraining order.
The Kano High Court’s interim injunction specifically restrains Governor Lawal, the media outlets involved, and all other respondents from inviting, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Alhaji Masuda Abdulkadir, a close associate of Matawalle, who was also targeted in the defamation efforts.
Additionally, Vision Media Services Ltd and Tijjani Ramalan, among others, have been ordered to cease any broadcasts or publications that defame Matawalle or discuss the allegations in the case until the substantive application is heard and determined by the court.
This legal action has sparked widespread attention, raising questions about the role of media in political rivalries and the ethical implications of such smear campaigns.
Yusuf Idris Gusau, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the reputation of public officials from unfounded attacks.
“This smear campaign orchestrated by Governor Lawal and his allies is unbecoming and unbefitting of someone in his position.
He said the public should be wary of deceitful information being spread, and we are grateful to the Kano High Court for intervening and putting the matter into the proper perspective,” Gusau said in a statement.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes remain on the court proceedings, and the political implications of this case could reverberate throughout Zamfara State and beyond.
Africa Security Investigation News 