Zamfara Governor Banned From Smear Campaign Against Matawalle, Kano High Court Rules

Copies of court judgement

Kano, Nigeria—  In a significant development, the Kano High Court has issued a restraining order against Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal and his associates, prohibiting them from launching a smear campaign against former Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Muhammed Matawalle.

The order also prohibits media outlets such as Vision FM, Farin Wata TV, and Liberty Radio and TV from airing any additional information about the allegations against Matawalle.

The court’s decision comes after Governor Lawal went on a media tour and allegedly tried to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation by linking him to banditry and corruption charges without providing evidence.

Yusuf Idris Gusau, Publicity Secretary of the Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, claims that Governor Lawal’s actions are a desperate attempt to discredit Matawalle ahead of potential ministerial reshuffles.

Gusau claims that the campaign is designed to prevent Matawalle’s reappointment as Minister due to his growing political influence.

“These are deliberate attempts to tarnish the image of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence Dr. Matawalle,” Gusau said.

“Governor Lawal and his proxies have been relentlessly attacking Matawalle in the media, attempting to tarnish his reputation and prevent his reappointment.”

The court’s order now requires all parties involved to refrain from further action pending the hearing and decision on the originating motion.

The restraining order expressly prohibits the respondents from inviting, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Alhaji Masuda Abdulkadir, who filed the petition against the smear campaign.

This legal development highlights the escalating political tensions in Zamfara State, as Governor Lawal’s attempts to discredit his predecessor have resulted in legal I.

It remains to be seen how this case will play out and how it will affect the state’s political landscape.