APC Leader’s Reaction to Court Suit About Ex-Governor

Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a big leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, has spoken about a recent court case. This case wants the government to look into ex-Governor Bello Matawalle because some people say he is linked to banditry (bad guys causing trouble) in Zamfara State.

Over the weekend, news came out that the Federal High Court in Abuja agreed to look into this case. The case number is FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024. The people mentioned in this case include President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police. A human rights activist named Abubakar Dahiru started this case.

Shinkafi said in a statement on Sunday that even though a case was filed, it hasn’t been given to any judge. He said the court hasn’t talked about it or made any decisions yet. That’s why he thinks it’s wrong to say the “Court agreed” to the suit.

Shinkafi quoted Professor Kabir Danladi, saying, “A case filed is not a case heard, and a case heard is not a case decided until the court says so. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.” This means you can’t say someone did something bad unless the court finds them guilty.

He explained that the law (Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution) says that everyone charged with a crime must be treated as innocent until proven guilty. Everyone deserves a fair chance to explain their side in court.

Shinkafi said the story in the news was not complete. It didn’t include important details like what happened in court or which judge was involved. He wants the Nigerian media groups to look into this story carefully.

He also mentioned that the Defence Headquarters and other security agencies are already investigating the people who support the bandits in the North West. He believes that Dr. Bello Matawalle will be found innocent in this investigation.

Shinkafi thinks the accusations are just political tricks by opponents from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They hope that President Tinubu will remove Matawalle from his ministerial position. But Shinkafi believes that President Tinubu understands these political games and will not remove Matawalle.

He said it’s important to stop spreading false stories about respected public officials like Matawalle and focus on building a strong and fair nation.