The Zamfara government has cautioned politicians and organisations over “reckless” accusations against Governor Bello Matawalle that he left people in the state to be terrorised by bandits while he allegedly travelled to the Niger Republic to watch wrestling.

“We have noticed an increasing trend of reckless accusations against the person of Governor Bello Matawalle from disgruntled quarters across the state,’’ Zailani Bappa, an aide of the governor, said in a statement on Wednesday.

He said the accusations came from “disadvantaged politicians seeking relevance and some so-called professional organisations seeking recognition by all means.”

This came hours after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara berated Mr Matawalle for travelling to the Niger Republic to watch wrestling.

“He (Matawalle) was busy watching the annual wrestling festival in the Niger Republic, leaving the people of his state in perpetual fear of killer bandits, hunger, and ravaging poverty,” said Zamfara PDP deputy chairman Kabiru Jabaka while briefing journalists in Gusau.

Mr Bappa added the politicians and organisations had cashed in on the open-door policy of the governor to bring his name to disrepute.

“It must be stated here that democracy and freedom of speech are sacrosanct but in no way a ticket to abuse the institution of authority with slander and libel,’’ he said.

Mr Bappa explained that anybody or organisation with complaints against any misdeed must follow due process in seeking redress.

He stressed that the complaints should be made by reporting any matter to the security operatives and approaching the court for redress based on the outcome of the investigation.

The governorship aide warned that no person or group should publicly accuse the governor or his administration with “baseless innuendos,’’ threatening that the government would take legal action.

“We hereby draw the attention of all persons and organisations to be cautious as the law will take its course on any further slander or libel against the governor,” Mr Bappa stated.

(NAN)