THE TRAJECTORY OF (DR) BELLO MATAWALLE'S SECURITY APPROACHES WHEN HE WAS THE GOVERNOR

When it comes to facing the security challenges in Zamfara State headlong, putting to use varying approaches, I cannot think of any idea not used by His Excellency (Dr) Bello Matawalle.

With the inputs of security stakeholders, he engaged in dialogue which yielded a year long momentary relief from the carnage and the unconditional release of more than a thousand abductees who not only from Zamfara but Katsina, Sokoto and other neighboring states. The dialogue also led to the release of a Korean doctor held in bandits camp and disarmament of many bandits. Despite the positive results  many people disagreed with it and worked mischievously to scuttle it. 

With the breach of security here and there, Governor Bello Matawalle modified his security strategy using both kinetic and non-kinetic approach figuratively known as carrot and stick model. He donated more than two hundred Hilux vehicles to security operatives in the state to make the strategy operational.

Despite the obvious constitutional limitations of the state government over the military, people clamoured for the drop of anything dialogue. As a leader with listening ears and considering some escalations due to violation of treaty by some bandits who have earlier subscribed to the peace deal, Governor Bello Matawalle dropped it and imposed stringent measures to cut bandits supply lines and communications.  Part of the measures taken includes:

1. Closure of weekly markets. 

2. No filling station is allowed to sell fuel to people with jerry cans or vehicles with extended tanks beyond N10,000 fuel limit. Refueling within a short span of time is not allowed. 

3. No commercial motorcyclist is allowed to carry three people at a time and time of their time of operation was limited to 8:00pm in the state capital and 6:00pm in other locations.

4. Vehicles carrying firewood were banned from operations. Those carrying foodstuff must undergo strict investigation by the task force.

5. Shutting down of telecommunication services in the state. 

Some of these measures taken by Matawalle were also replicated in Kaduna, Katsina, Niger and Sokoto. 

However, these too were welcomed with lukewarm opinions and even derided and condemned by others for political reasons as too harsh and detrimental to the state economy. With the complaints hitting the skies, Bello Matawalle ordered for reopening of the markets and telecommunication services. 

The 'Yan Sakai vigilante groups who were earlier banned from operations because of their rampant extrajudicial killings of suspects in market places were reshuffled and unbanned. (Dr) Bello Matawalle supports them with stipends and vehicles to complement the military operations. 

However, even as these measures were taken, some political bigwigs exploited the situation by engaging in covert political Indoctrination of rural populace with the mischievous idea that Matawalle's initial dialogue was meant to favor fulani bandits. Women electorates were scared with such slogans as "Vote for banditry or peace" impliedly to depict Matawalle's government as pro-bandits. 

This is how filthy the political card has been played in Zamfara by the enemies of peace. If such people don't deserve a bad name, who else does? 

- Ibrahim Bello Zauma

        #Bazaume

DAUDA LAWAL IS LIABLE FOR LIBEL AND TREASON.

I've been away from media(conventional and new) for a while due to faulty devices, so I couldn't engage appropriately and promptly to the silliness of Mr. Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara State, hopefully, in matter of days, I shall come up with a robust response.

Some days ago, in furtherance of his obsession with his predecessor, he (Dauda Lawal) yet again made unsubstantiated allegations against the person of Dr Bello Matawalle, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, accusing him of being involved in the menace of banditry ravaging  Zamfara and by extension North West. 

The simple response to shoot down this foolery is that for as long as he is in office, it is beyond his pay grade and beyond the audacious stretch of his imagination to be in possession of hard facts, evidence and intel to make such bold claims. All he has done and has been doing for a while is indulging in reckless and silly talks because of his awareness of the fact that anything he says is considered newsworthy because of the office he presently occupies. 

Dauda Lawal is not the the Command, Control and Communications structure or the DSS or the National Security Agency, so if there is such intel, which for emphasis there is none indicting his predecessor, he can never have access to it and can not be briefed about such. 

Again, when out of chronic knowledge gap he claimed the state has witnessed no benefits from having a minister of defence from the state, one should query his mischief on the need to make such baseless allegations when Security agencies are closing in on many bandits leaders? What is he scared of? Why the need for what could be best described as "victim mentality"?

Lastly, his conduct, more like his misconduct and utterance has a large import on national security as it could trigger anarchy in the country and mutiny in the armed forces. There should be a limit to how we engage in political opposition and criticism. There should always be a limit and when to always draw the line to know when it is patriotism or imbecility. 

Deyemi Saka 

(Public Affairs Analyst and PR Consultant)

GOVERNOR DAUDA UNDER FIRE FOR POLITICIZING SECURITY

Political analysts patriots and groups have lambasted Governor Dauda Lawal following his fiery media confrontation with the former Governor (Dr) Bello Matawalle at a time when successes are recorded in the fight against banditry in the North-West .

Dauda has recently been running from one media house to another pointing accusing fingers at the Minister of State for Defence even after the minister's effort in confronting the menace of banditry which resulted in killing notorious bandits leaders including Kachalla Halilu Sububu.

It could be recalled that following the Minister of State for Defence's visit to General Commanding Officers Headquarters to Sokoto together with Chief of Army Staff, General Christopher Musa, many bandit enclaves were raided by the Nigeria Army and many notorious felons have been taken out.

Refuting the recent wailings of the Zamfara State Governor, Lawal Dare, political analysts and media commentators have criticized him for prioritising politics over security in his state. Captain Bish Johnson in an interview with TVC News lamented that Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for putting politics over people's safety.

A group under the auspices of Zamfara Elders Support for Peace and Development, has backed the minister of state for defence over the ongoing military operations in Zamfara and the entire North West region. The elders urged the Zamfara state governor, Dauda Lawal, to concentrate on how to deliver good governance to his subjects and leave Matawalle, alone, arguing that, "Governor Lawal could do better by building unity, development, and political cohesion in the state rather than creating unnecessary tension and overheating the polity."

Describing the Dauda's misdemeanor, a public affairs analyst and PR consultant, Deyemi Saka puts it this way: "The simple response to shoot down this foolery is that for as long as he is in office, it is beyond his pay grade and beyond the audacious stretch of his imagination to be in possession of hard facts, evidence and intel to make such bold claims. All he has done and has been doing for a while is indulging in reckless and silly talks because of his awareness of the fact that anything he says is considered newsworthy because of the office he presently occupies."

Another activist and political analyst, Mahdi Shehu also drew the attention of the governor to his futile obsession with the past administration. In his words: " It is time to remain in golden mute mode on Matawalle's stewardship in Zamfara. It is time  to face governance head-on because  time is not on your side."

Sen. Sani Shehu on his X handled opined "Now that the war against terrorism is turning the tides against Bandits leaders in the North West,the CDS Musa,Defence Minister of state Mutawalle,NSA Ribadu and others should remain focused and not distracted.Any person genuinely interested in bringing an end to these evil kidnappers and mass murderers should support the current efforts and encourage them to do more."

Alas, the Zamfara State Governor appears to be stagnated in the past, playing an opposition card as if the mantle of Zamfara leadership is not in his hand.

- Ibrahim Bello Zauma 

A LEADER OF UNWAVERING RESOLVE: WHY H.E DR. BELLO MATAWALLE IS THE IDEAL CHOICE FOR SUBSTANTIVE DEFENCE MINISTER

By: Abduljabbar Abubakar Maradun (General)

In times of uncertainty and insecurity, Nigeria needs a leader who embodies resilience, doggedness, and unwavering commitment to defending its territorial integrity. The Defence Minister of State, His Excellency Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle MON has consistently demonstrated these qualities, making him the most suitable candidate for elevation to the position of substantive Defence Minister, following recent insinuations portraying an imminent cabinet reshuffle.

Throughout his first year in office, Matawalle has shown an unshakeable dedication to Nigeria's security, working tirelessly to strengthen the nation's defence capabilities and protect its citizens. 

Furthermore, under his leadership, H.E Bello Matawalle in a remarkable achievement, has successfully revived the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) after years of inactivity. This monumental feat is a testament to the Minister's visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to Nigeria's defence industrial capability, and dedication to enhancing national security.

Under the Minister's guidance, DICON has been transformed from a dormant entity to a vibrant and functional organization, poised to play a crucial role in Nigeria's defence production and self-sufficiency.

Matawallen Maradun's leadership as Nigeria's Defence Minister of State has been marked by unwavering resolve in the face of adversity, strategic thinking and innovative solutions, collaborative approach to inter-agency cooperation, empathy and support for troops and their families.

In the same vein, under his guidance, Nigeria has made significant strides in combating insecurity, from counter-insurgency efforts to border security initiatives. His commitment to modernizing the armed forces and enhancing their operational effectiveness has been remarkable.

In view of the foregoing, we are of the strong notion that as substantive Defence Minister, Dr. Bello Matawalle would bring continuity and stability to the defence sector, enhanced strategic direction and vision, strengthened partnerships with regional and international partners, unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria's sovereignty.

In these challenging times, Nigeria needs a leader who has proven himself in the face of adversity. The Defence Minister of State has consistently demonstrated the qualities required to lead Nigeria's defence sector forward. His elevation to substantive Defence Minister would be a well-deserved recognition of his dedication and a strategic move to ensure Nigeria's continued security and prosperity.

GOV MATAWALLE HOLDS INVESTMENT MEETING WITH ECOWAS BANK

Governor Bello Mahammed has attracted the positive interest of ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development who have shown enthusiatic interest in invesment in Zamfara State.

In a lengthy meeting with the Bank's representatives in Lome, headed by the Bank's Vice-President (Operations), Dr Olaginju M.O Ashimolowo, Governor Matawalle convinced the team that there are great investment opportunity awaiting them in Zamfara State.

Governor Matawalle spoke on the investment opportunity in the state especially its abundant mineral resources  and commercial viabilty of its people especially in farming and commerce.

The Bank's Vice-President was highly impressed and he promised to consider all the opportunities offered by the Governor to ensure that the bank makes its presence in the state for mutual economic interests.

Zailani Bappa 

Special Adviser

Public Enlightenment , Media and Communications.

NIGERIEN AWARD TO GOVERNOR MATAWALLE: HOW WELL-DESERVED IT IS

As early as September, 2019, Governor Bello Matawalle demonstrated an uncommon commitment to border security having realised that transborder arms trafficking across the vast expense of the Sahara has been instrumental in destabilising the serene security situation we once enjoyed. 

With insecurity in north west becoming an existential threat Governor Bello Matawalle implored the federal government to put more effort into fighting it, this has not deterred him from his quest for the strategic collaboration with Niger Republic. 

He joined his counterparts from Katsina, Sokoto and Maradi to discuss the security situation in the border areas in Maradi in September, 2019.

The meeting convened by Zakari Oumorou, the Governor of Maradi Region of Niger Republic seeks to renew synergy on security in order to nip in the bud the problem of banditry, kidnapping and rustling. 

Addressing the leaders in attendance, Governor Bello Matawalle thanked the Governor of Maradi for his foresight in convening such a meeting and call for more collaborative action to employ conflict resolution approach to curb the menace of insecurity as that has yielded positive results in Zamfara State stressing that all hands should be on deck to work out practical modalities which involve dialogue for a more sweeping success across the region as whatever affects one region affects all. 

Governor Bello Matawalle expressed appreciation for the hospitality exhibited by the Governor of Maradi particularly how the Zamfara IDPs in Maradi were kindly hosted recounting how the truce he has initiated in Zamfara led to the release of 11 Niger nationals, a symbiotic relationship which should be sustained. 

At the end of the meeting, a communique was presented as read out by Secretary to the State Government of Maradi and part of the resolutions signed includes:

i. Adoption of conflict resolution method as started by some state governors in Nigeria 

ii. Adoption of unified and coordinated approach in the fight against insurgency and armed banditry 

iii. Appreciated the effort of Dangote and other NGOs for providing soccour to the refugees. 

iv. The meeting observed with great concern the proliferation of arms, ammunitions hard drugs and urged for intensified effort to curb the menace.

v. The meeting recommends security checks on voluntary returnees. 

The summit ended with exchange of pleasantries and farewell souvenirs among leaders and security service chiefs. 

In December 2021 His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, again visited His Excellency The President of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum as part of efforts to end all forms of armed banditry between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

The two leaders met at the Presidential Palace, Niamey. The meeting was meant to discuss issues of insecurity especially in North West Nigeria  and Niger Republic and resolved to explore more areas of support and cooperation between Niger Republic and Zamfara State in particular. He donated four Hilux vans to the Security operatives of Niger Republic to assist them in the patrol along our borders to fight the incursion of criminal elements into the Country, he led a delegation which included the governors of Jigawa and the representative of Kebbi. On arrival at the country,  they immediately held a preliminary closed door meeting with the officials of that Country.

To consolidate the agreements reached, in January 2021, Governor Bello Mohammed (Matawallen Maradun) once again paid a working visit to the President of Niger Republic, His Excellency, Mohammed Bazoum leading a delegation consisting of Jigawa and Kebbi State counterparts, Governors Mohammed  Badaru Abubakar and Atiku Bagudu (who was indisposed but represented) respectively, arrived the Country's Capital, Niamey, on Friday where they immediately held a preliminary closed door meeting with the officials of that Country.

The team met with President Bazoum where they held another four-hour closed door meeting in which all the issues surrounding cross-border crimes as it affects the two Countries were thoroughly discussed. Governor Bello Mohammed presented to the Nigerien President the document for action on the where his Country is required to further assist in the common fight.

Governor Matawalle assured the President of the total committment of the Governors bordering Niger Republic of the resolve to join hand with his Country to fight and bring to an end the problem facing our people.

President Mohamed Bozoum assured the Governors that his Country is concerned about what is happening in Nigeria and is aware of the role his Country can and will play in the fight against the transit of illegal weapons Into Nigeria. He said that his Country will continue to support Nigeria in its effort to find a lasting peace especially from the menace of banditry and insurgency.

A special meeting was organised for the visiting Governors with all the Chancellors and Security Chiefs of that Country where the nitty-gritty challenges that need to be addressed were divulged. The meeting which lasted for several hours is expected to enrich the blue-print for the comprehensive fight against the syndicate of arms trafficking. Governor Bello Matawalle made a presentation to the Nigerien President the document for action on where his Country is required to further assist in the common fight and further assured the President of the total commitment of the Governors bordering Niger Republic of the resolve to join hand with his Country to fight and bring to an end the problem facing our people.

During the visit, President Mohamed Bozoum assured the Governors that his Country is concerned about what is happening in Nigeria and is aware of the role his Country can and will play in the fight against the transit of illegal weapons Into Nigeria. He said that his Country will continue to support Nigeria in its effort to find a lasting peace especially from the menace of banditry and insurgency.

 

A special meeting was organised for the visiting Governors with all the Chancellors and Security Chiefs of that Country where the nitty-gritty challenges that need to be addressed were divulged. The meeting which lasted for several hours is expected to enrich the blue-print for the comprehensive fight against the syndicate of arms trafficking.

The Nigerien President then, treated his visitors to some comforting cultural and sporting events which are commonly shared by Nigerian and Nigerien people which has been mischievously sponsored as the reason for the visit.

 

It is noteworthy that in an affirmation of his(Matawalle’s) foresightedness, his visits have yielded some great results as a notorious trans-border terrorist named Katare, who has been terrorizing the people of Bakura and other adjoining villages was arrested with five(5) members of his gang in Birin Konni(Niger Republic). His extradition to Nigeria is underway. Also, man known as “Na Lugga” who is a gun runner and who supplies arms and ammunitions to those terrorists has been arrested by security forces in Niger Republic and handed over to Nigerian authorities in honour of the pledge and commitment Governor Matawale got from President Bazoum of Niger.

There have been recent news of arrests of criminal elements in the state, a testament of the unshaken resolve to combat insecurity to a halt, one thing is evident, the tide against him at succeeding on his quest to keep his people safe is strong as sponsors and beneficiary of the huge criminal enterprise will stop at nothing to see Zamfara becomes a failed state and a fiefdom under their firm control. 

 

With his unwavering determination, mental strength and strong resolve, he will swim successfully against this tide. If for nothing but for the preservation of humanity and victory over depravity, He will deliver on his promise.

WORKSHOP IN MARADI ON PASTORALISM, SECURITY AND MEDIA

Concerned about anything that has to do with security, Governor Bello Matawalle coordinated and sponsored nine state media practitioners security staff and staff from forestry, survey and for capacity building during the Maradi Pastoral Week in May 2022.

The team from Zamfara consists of the following: 

1. Sa'idu Maishanu Gusau (Tambarin Gusau) Managing Director Zamfara Radio) 

2. Musa Liman (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Security and Home Affairs. 

3. Engr Sani Aliyu (Gold City FM Gusau) 

4. Abubakar Bello (DPM Security) 

5. Ibrahim Bello Zauma, Director General, New Media, Office of Executive Governor. 

6. Aminu Saidu Tsafe (Surveyor General) 

7. Falalu Abdullahi (Director, Ministry of Forestry and Livestock Development) 

8. Aminu Ibrahim Shehu (Director Security, Ministry of Security and Home Affairs) 

9. Tukur Jangebe (Chairman, Miyetti Allah) 

Part of the themes of Maradi Pastoral Week workshop centered around the techniques necessary for collecting and processing news especially in conflict situations.

After the rigorous instructions from seasoned resource persons on journalistic genres in community, editorial styles, syndicates were formed and taken for sightseeing to conduct practical interviews and give reports in a manner needed to douse the ember of communal clashes resulting from bandits activities. 

It has been stressed that conflict reporting has often been marred by unprofessionalism with many practitioners doing more harm to security than good. It is agreed that it is unfair to derive data from psychologically traumatised victims after an unfortunate violent incident and without balancing with other corroborating sources. 

The programme also reviews Maradi-Katsina bilateral agreement signed on 25 July 2017 of which Zamfara State has so much to contribute especially with the tight synergy already built by His Excellency Governor Bello Matawalle with Niger Republic. 

Governor Bello Matawalle was ably represented by his Deputy Sen. Hassan Muhammad Nasiha (Jarman Gusau) during the closure of the workshop.

Ibrahim Bello Zauma

Director General, New Media

Office of Executive Governor,

Zamfara State

4/8/2022

ZITDA TO COLLABORATE WITH NADDC TO ENHANCE THE ZAMFARA AUTOMOBILE TRAINING CENTRE

The Director General, National Automobile Design and Development Council, Mr Jelani Aliyu MFR has promised to join hands with the Zamfara State Government to make the Zamfara state automobile training centre, Gusau a unique one among the northwestern states.

Mr Aliyu disclosed this when he received in his office the Director General of the Zamfara state Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA), Muhammad Yahaya Tambura in the company of the Principal Private Secretary to the Executive Governor of the State, Lawal Umar Maradun recently.

The meeting centred on a range of issues that include collaboration for synergy between ZITDA and NADDC in the areas of ICT enhancement in the about-to-be-equipped automobile training centre in the state.

Mr Aliyu explained further that it is among the core mandate of the Council to collaborate with relevant Governments' agencies, and individuals or group investors for the acquisition of the needed technology for vehicle manufacturing, components production and assembly.

Other areas of interest for collaboration with the Zamfara state include but are not limited to exploration of opportunities in the development and production of raw materials such as sheets and steels needed for provision as well as improvement of automobile skills.

With a befitting Mechatronic Department in the State-owned Polytechnic, Abdu Gusau Polytechnic Talata Mafara, Mr Aliyu passionately responded that the centre can collaborate with the Polytechnic in the research, design and development of automobile prototypes.

While confirming the arrival of all the equipment needed for the automobile training center, he promised to continue to do more in the area of his expertise for Zamfara State in particular and the country at large. He also expressed deep appreciation for the kind support his Council enjoys from His Excellency, Governor Bello Matawalle. Mr Aliyu described Governor Matawalle’s support as a unique encouragement that will greatly add value to the Centre for engaging our teeming youth to be productive in society.

The Director General of ZITDA Muhammad Yahaya Tambura had earlier expressed Governor Bello Matawalle’s appreciation for Mr. Jelani Aliyu’s unflinching support towards ensuring the provision of skills to our youth in the State.

Mr Tambura said ZITDA is fully determined to collaborate with NADDC to enhance the Center with the needed ICT resources. The agency in Zamfara according to Mr Tambura has come of age and is veracious under the current administration’s policies and programmes with young talent that are always ready to move forward for the development of the state.

The highest point of the visit was the opportunity the NADDC DG, Mr Jelani Aliyu offered his visitors: a taste drive of the “1st  Nigerian assembled electric vehicle”. The car is completely noiseless, fuelless and very smooth, with the capacity to travel over 400 kilometres once fully charged. If made available on our roads, it will cut carbon emissions and our environment will get rid of air pollution – this qualifies the car as ‘environment–friendly’. Grab the auto skills in the training Centre in Gusau, Zamfara, get your electric vehicle, and stay safe!

Ibrahim Bello Zauma,

DG New Media, Office of the Executive Gov. of Zamfara State

30/07/2022