Police disrupt press conference in Calabar, arrest activist as group demands suspension of Minister Matawalle

The Police on Thursday disrupted a press conference organised by an advocacy group, the National Movement for Defence of Democracy and Good Governance (NMDDGG) in Calabar, Cross River.

The group was of the opinion that President Bola Tinubu should extend the action against the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, who was suspended over allegations of impropriety to the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle, former Governor of Zamfara State over allegation of N70 billion fraud.

The President of the Movement, Goddie Akpama, was arrested by the police, taken to the State Police Command.

National Daily Newspaper  gathered at a meeting with the Commissioner of Police in the state, Akpama was purportedly compelled “to sign an undertaking not to hold the press conference or procession on behalf of Betta Edu.”

Thereafter, the police released Akpama, reiterating that the group must “never to hold the press conference which was to hold at the Chinese Restaurant Event Hall, State Housing Estate, Calabar.

National Daily Newspaper also gathered that the content of the statement to be made at the conference by the National Movement for Defence of Democracy and Good Governance (NMDDGG), signed by Akpama, had already been distributed to invited journalists before he was arrested.

The group, in the statement, was said to be demanding President Bola Tinubu to immediatley suspend and investigate the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, former Governor of Zamfara State, who was alleged to be linked with N70 billion suit.

The group recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had indicated last week that the commission will bring up the N70 billion allegation against Matawalle.
According to the group in the statement: “while we commend the expeditious actions taken against Dr. Betta Edu, our esteemed mentor, in response to allegations totaling N583 million, we are confounded by the continued tenure of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, facing staggering money laundering allegations exceeding N70 billion, without undergoing the requisite investigations.

“This glaring inconsistency raises fundamental questions about the principles of impartiality and justice that should be the bedrock of our nation. We urgently call upon President Bola Tinubu to forthwith suspend Bello Matawalle as Minister, and we unequivocally demand the EFCC to re-initiate the investigation into the grave allegations against him.

“The disconcerting reality is that our daughter faces repercussions for a comparatively trivial sum, while Bello Matawalle enjoys unhindered freedom despite facing monumental accusations. This exposes a disturbing pattern of gender bias and selective application of justice against women actively engaged in politics.

“In response, we declare our intention to march from this location to formally submit a petition, emphasizing our insistence on equal treatment before the law. We grant the EFCC a stringent two-week ultimatum to recommence investigations into Bello Matawalle’s alleged money laundering activities. Failure to comply will prompt us to rally our counterparts in the South South states, orchestrating a peaceful yet substantial protest at all EFCC offices within the region.

“We ardently believe that the standards of justice and fairness applied to the southern part of Nigeria must be equally applicable to the North. The time has come for our nation to transcend the shackles of sentiment-driven politics, ushering in an era where justice is impartial, and equality prevails. Enough is enough.”