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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised the alarm over what it described as a sustained and coordinated campaign of online harassment and politically driven attacks targeting the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, following the resurfacing of an old video circulated in a misleading context.

In a statement released on Monday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group condemned the renewed effort to cast Matawalle as a sympathiser of terrorist elements, describing such claims as dishonest, malicious and propelled by partisan motives rather than any sincere concern for national security or accountability.

HURIWA explained that the video currently being recycled dates back to 2021, when Matawalle was serving as Governor of Zamfara State.

According to the association, the remarks in the footage reflected a security approach adopted at the time to reduce violence and safeguard vulnerable communities trapped between armed groups and excesses by vigilantes. The group said dragging the video into the present and reducing complex security discussions to isolated soundbites was a calculated attempt to mislead the public and stir animosity.

The association emphasised that equating dialogue, conflict resolution or intelligence-driven engagement with criminal endorsement is both intellectually shallow and morally irresponsible. It maintained that globally accepted counterinsurgency practices recognise that understanding the causes and dynamics of violence does not translate to supporting it.

HURIWA further noted that the renewed attacks emerged at a curious time, shortly after the resignation of the former Minister of Defence on health grounds and the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Defence Minister.

The organisation described the timing as suspicious, suggesting that the narratives were revived during a sensitive transition within the nation’s defence structure in order to create discord and erode public trust in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the group, the campaign against Matawalle bears the hallmarks of political vendetta, particularly from individuals and groups unsettled by his political relevance, his loyalty to President Tinubu and his continued influence in Zamfara State politics. It added that some of the attacks are tied to strategic calculations ahead of future electoral contests in the state, where Matawalle remains a significant political force.

HURIWA stated that since his appointment as Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle has shown clear commitment to the collective security agenda of the Tinubu administration, operating within established military and intelligence frameworks rather than acting independently. The association argued that reducing complex national security challenges to personal blame ignores the institutional nature of defence operations and the shared responsibilities of multiple agencies.

The rights group also described the attacks as part of a wider anti-Tinubu campaign by political opponents who, unable to confront the President directly, have resorted to targeting some of his most visible and loyal allies. It said Matawalle has become a convenient target because of his reputation as one of the President’s most steadfast political supporters.

HURIWA warned that the growing acceptance of cyberbullying, misinformation and character assassination against public officials without evidence poses a grave threat to democratic discourse and national unity. It urged Nigerians to separate legitimate criticism from orchestrated disinformation intended to inflame public emotions and destabilise governance.

The association dismissed calls for Matawalle’s resignation as unfounded and unjustifiable, insisting that a fair evaluation of his political service and loyalty to the current administration should attract recognition rather than hostility. It went further to argue that, instead of demanding his removal, those genuinely concerned about good governance should advocate his elevation to a senior ministerial role, citing his dedication, discipline and loyalty to the President and the ruling party as qualities vital for stability.

HURIWA concluded by urging security agencies to remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities and not be distracted by online campaigns, while calling on social media users to exercise restraint and responsibility. The group reaffirmed its commitment to the defence of democratic institutions, the rule of law and fairness, warning that the weaponisation of misinformation against public officials ultimately undermines both national security and democracy.

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