Zamfara Bribery Allegations: Northern Forum Accuses Governor Lawal of N200 Million Plot to Discredit Matawalle
Gisthood 
The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has strongly disowned a recent press conference in Kaduna that accused the Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, of financial misconduct.
The Forum claims the event was orchestrated through a N200 million bribe from agents of the current Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal, to damage Matawalle’s reputation.
Forum Distances Itself from Press Conference
On Tuesday evening, CNF Secretary Abubakar Suleiman issued a statement condemning the event as a “shameful charade,” stating it was neither sanctioned nor supported by the Forum. Suleiman claimed that Aliyu Muhammad Sani, who posed as CNF chairman during the Monday briefing, acted without approval and in violation of repeated warnings.
“No meeting was held, no mandate was given. What happened was the personal decision of a few compromised individuals. They do not speak for us,” Suleiman emphasized.
Allegations of Bribery and Media Manipulation
Suleiman alleged that Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration facilitated the controversial press briefing with a N200 million bribe, enlisting non-members and political thugs with individual payouts of N200,000 to carry out the scheme.
“Governor Dauda Lawal and his people have tried everything possible to tarnish Matawalle’s image. This time, they bribed a handful of desperate individuals to hijack our platform,” Suleiman stated.
Accusations of Misappropriation and Governance Failure
Beyond the bribery claims, CNF accused Lawal’s government of diverting over N10 billion in local government funds toward political attacks instead of addressing pressing challenges facing Zamfara State.
“Zamfara is on its knees. Insecurity is worsening, people are suffering, and instead of solving real problems, this administration is spending public funds on media stunts,” Suleiman said.
Call to EFCC and Legal Threats
The CNF also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Governor Lawal’s financial dealings over the past two years, cautioning the agency against being used for political vendettas.
“We challenge the EFCC to look into the billions received and mismanaged by Dauda Lawal. His hands are not clean,” Suleiman declared.
The Forum further warned of possible legal action if those behind the allegations against Matawalle failed to issue a public retraction and apology.
Forum Reiterates Commitment to Integrity
Concluding the statement, CNF reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, justice, and good governance, asserting it would not allow itself to be exploited for political scores.
