Gisthood 
The Northern Socio-Political Rights Network (NSPRN) has exposed an alleged plot by proxies linked to the Zamfara State Government to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, through a fabricated protest campaign.
In a statement released Saturday by NSPRN President, Mohammed Farouk Lawal, the group confirmed it was offered a N200 million bribe by emissaries claiming to represent high-ranking political interests in Zamfara. The group said the offer included specific instructions to organize protests in Abuja, deliver pre-written press statements, and circulate anti-government messages aimed at portraying a false narrative of northern discontent.
“We were approached with a N200 million offer to protest against the President and Dr. Matawalle. The goal was to present a picture of northern revolt and falsely suggest that Tinubu is shielding certain ministers from investigation. We rejected this bribe without hesitation,” said Lawal.
NSPRN described the scheme as part of a broader, state-funded blackmail operation intended to weaken the federal government’s influence in the North-West and damage the reputation of loyal appointees ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is not activism. It is sabotage disguised as civil agitation,” Lawal added. “They have tried to use other groups in the past and are now targeting credible organizations like ours to lend weight to their agenda. But we will not be bought.”
The group warned that such unethical political tactics not only threaten democracy but also endanger national unity. Lawal called on the relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the source of funds used to bankroll politically motivated protests in the capital.
In closing, the NSPRN reiterated its support for President Tinubu’s administration and defended Minister Matawalle as a committed leader actively working to improve security and stability in the North.
“While others fund chaos, Dr. Matawalle is funding security. Nigerians must see through this charade and resist being manipulated,” Lawal emphasized.
The Northern Socio-Political Rights Network is a non-partisan advocacy group committed to defending democratic values, promoting transparency, and amplifying the voices of the North through responsible civic engagement.
