By Nkechi Eze
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticised what it described as a coordinated campaign of online harassment, cyberbullying and politically driven attacks against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, following the resurfacing of an old video taken out of context.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group said renewed attempts to portray Matawalle as a sympathiser of terrorists were misleading, malicious and rooted in partisan calculations rather than any sincere concern for national security or public accountability.
HURIWA explained that the video currently being circulated dates back to 2021, when Matawalle was serving as Governor of Zamfara State, and reflected a policy approach at the time aimed at de-escalating violence and protecting vulnerable communities trapped between armed groups and vigilante reprisals. The association argued that repackaging such nuanced security discussions years later into sensational soundbites was a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and incite hostility.
According to the group, equating conflict resolution efforts, dialogue or intelligence-driven engagement with endorsement of criminality is both intellectually flawed and morally irresponsible. It noted that globally, modern counterinsurgency strategies recognise the importance of understanding the root causes of violence as a necessary step toward restoring peace, not as a justification for criminal acts.
HURIWA also described the timing of the renewed attacks as suspicious, noting that they emerged shortly after the resignation of the former Minister of Defence on health grounds and the subsequent appointment of General Christopher Musa (rtd.) as Defence Minister. The organisation suggested that the resurgence of these narratives during a period of transition within the defence sector points to a calculated attempt to sow discord and weaken public confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The association said the campaign against Matawalle bears the hallmarks of political vendetta, particularly from individuals and groups unsettled by his continued political relevance, his loyalty to President Tinubu and his influence in Zamfara State politics. It added that some of the attacks appear linked to political manoeuvring ahead of future electoral contests in the state, where Matawalle remains a significant political force.
HURIWA maintained that since his appointment as Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle has worked within established military and intelligence frameworks in support of the Tinubu administration’s collective security agenda, rather than acting as a lone political actor. It warned that attempts to personalise complex national security challenges through scapegoating ignore the institutional nature of defence operations and the shared responsibilities of multiple agencies.
The group further alleged that the attacks form part of a wider anti-Tinubu campaign by political opponents who, unable to directly confront the President, have chosen to target some of his closest allies. According to HURIWA, Matawalle has become a convenient proxy target because of his reputation as one of the President’s most loyal political allies.
Warning against the normalisation of cyberbullying, misinformation and character assassination, HURIWA said such practices pose serious risks to democratic discourse, national cohesion and public trust. It urged Nigerians to clearly distinguish between legitimate criticism and orchestrated disinformation designed to inflame emotions and destabilise governance.
The association also dismissed calls for Matawalle’s resignation as unfounded, arguing that an objective assessment of his political service and loyalty to the current administration would justify recognition rather than condemnation. It even suggested that, instead of calls for his removal, those genuinely interested in good governance should advocate for his elevation to a more senior ministerial role, citing his dedication, political discipline and loyalty.
HURIWA concluded by urging security agencies to remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities and not be distracted by online controversies, while calling on social media users to exercise restraint and responsibility. The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic institutions, the rule of law and fairness, warning that the weaponisation of misinformation against public officials ultimately undermines national security and democracy.
