Chidimma UCHEGBU
The Dedence Headquarters has denied claims that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, was misusing soldiers.
The claim was contained in a viral video showing Matawalle handing cash to some soldiers.
Those behind the video claimed that the Minister was now directly sharing money to soldiers for doing his private bidding.
Debunking the claim, DHQ said the video emanated from an event in Zamfara while.Matawalle was still governor of the state.
DHQ said the event happened when Matawalle, as governor, rushed to the scene of an attack to identify with soldiers who has successfully repelled bandits who were operating in the area.
DHQ said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video making the rounds in the viral space.
“The intention of those behind this cheap propaganda is purely to portray the current Ministrr of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as reducing soldiers to ‘eating from his palm’.
“On the contrary, it is not the case. A fact check will reveal that this trending viral video dates back to since when Matawalle was a governor in Zamfara State.
“The soldiers in the video had just repealed an attack in one of the local government councils in Zamfara state. On being alerted to the bravery exhibited by the soldier, the then governor had to rush to the scene and, in an open display of appreciation and goodwill, supported them with a financial gift as encouragement.
“We conclude that the intentions of these traducers are not noble and altruistic and urge the general public to ignore and discountence such narratives by mischief makers who are bent on misinforming, distorting and casting Matawalle in bad light.”
