GOVERNOR BELLO MATAWALLE AND THE DISSENT FROM THE BLEAK PAST

A while ago, Zamfara was on the brink of total collapse. Our hope for peace and progress was dashed on the rock of chaos and anarchy and Zamfara become one kind of earthly hell. The level of ineptitude of the government gave the terrorist bandits the ability to control many rural regions, impose taxes, kill at will, abduct and rape women without anyone coming to their aid. The previous government shrugged its shoulders in utter indifference and seemed to have by all definitions offered us as sacrifice on the altar of blood.

In the words of Mustapha Ahmed Maru ''It is evident that many communities were ravaged; thousands were killed, living large number of people in desolation by the activities of bandits due to the lackadaisical attitude of the former administration to curtail this catastrophe''. The carnage got unprecedently tragic, human lives were being kicked out of their innocent bodies, people abducted daily, wealth carted away and abducted women raped in the jungle. 

Though, we do not have to be wailingly reminiscing over those horrible eight years of bondage, the new leadership of Governor Bello Matawalle has so far been exposing the ineptitude of the previous administration not by revealing any indicting document but by the clear manifestation of its commitment to turn things around for good and the overwhelming positive results attained in so short a time. This success naturally spurs the thoughts of daily indiscriminate killings, rapes, abductions, rustling and arson all of which did jolt nobody at the helm of affairs. Not even the Dumama mosque and Bawa Daji attacks could wake the then leadership from its slumber. With every success attained, the laxity of the previous government becomes manifest.

After a strenous legal battle and political ping pong, Governor Bello Matawalle got a green card for the stewardship of the state. Lo and behold!  In just few days serenity and life-refreshing tranquility descends and life bubbles back. First, having studied the whole situation, Governor Matawalle did not wait to wail about empty government purse or the bone-crushing indebtedness nor get bogged by the migraine-causing herculean task waiting at his desk, he sprang into action attacking first the problem of insecurity headlong. He visited different security outfits, from the National Police Headquarters, Abuja, meeting with the IG of police, meeting with the President Muhammad Buhari and the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He visited Ex Minister of Defense then returned home and met with traditional leaders, MACBAN leaders, CJTF and other key stakeholders all to devise ways to put an end to armed banditry in the state.

As opposed to the disposition of addicted junketeer, Governor Bello embraces his people with touch of kindness, shows his concern over their plight and struggles relentlessly to save them from the clutches of banditry. Using his vast experience in the principles of conflict resolution he has learnt as Chairman House on Security and Intelligence, he devised a peace model which saw the release of 357 people from captivity without paying a dime as ransom and achieving successful voluntary disarmament of some bandits.

Having achieved remarkable success in instituting peace which is the basis for development, Governor Matawalle works to sustain it through job creation, empowerment scheme, education, agriculture, creating conducive environment for investment etc. A glimpse at the giant strides of Governor Matawalle speaks volume about his unrelenting commitment to the development of Zamfara:

1. Reinstating 1040 workers employed 5 years ago after vigorous assessment but not paid for once.

2. Initiating proposal for the revival of Skill Acquisition programme to make youth self-reliant and economically productive. 

3. Revival of Zamfara Fertilizer Company after thirteen years of inactivity with 10 million Naira as initial input to kick-start a comprehensive agricultural revolution for economic growth and reduction of unemployment. The company now blends 20 tonnes per hour. 

4. Initiating diplomatic approach to curtail the menace of banditry by involving all key stakeholders. It could be recalled that immediately after his ascendancy to power he Matawalle visited different security outfits, from the National Police Headquarters, Abuja, meeting with the IG of police, meeting with the President Muhammad Buhari and the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, his visit to the Ex Minister of Defense, meeting with traditional leaders,  MACBAN leaders and CJTF and other key stakeholders all to devise ways to put an end to armed banditry in the state.  

5. Awarding contract for fencing and renovation of Government Girls Unity Secondary School, Kotorkoshi and procurement of 2000 mattresses. This reflects Governor Matawalle's commitment to girl-child education. 

6. Initiating truce that led to freeing of 357 people from captivity in 100 days

7. Award of contract for the completion of Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital projects. 

8. Signing an MoU with Qatar Charity Organization offering to construct motorized boreholes, hand pumps, mosques and primary school. 

9. Initiating Social Investment Programme for youth empowerment which entails provision of monthly financial support for 1800 women for small scale business and employment of 8000 others across the 14 local governments areas.

10. Provision of more funds for Zamfara Fertilizer Company. 

11. Upgrade of power supply by providing 60KVA Feeder transformer to substitute the 30KVA transformer. 

12.Inviting foreign investors which attracted Afreximbank to sign an MoU with the Zamfara State Government, offering 1 Billion US dollar investment input in mining, agriculture and industrial development. 

13. Securing the release of Korean doctor abducted and held hostage for seven months 

14. Returning the BarakaLahu Area plots confiscated unjustly to their respective owners. 

15.Reaching out to Sudan International University and reaching agreement to establish affiliate medical university in Gusau Zamfara State. 

16. Approve the reintroduction of teachers colleges to train teachers from post-primary level for effective teaching and learning.

17. Payment of leave grants to civil servants which has been discontinued for seven years. 

18. Approve the promotion of 6709 ZSUBEB teachers who have not been promoted for many years.

19. Securing the release of the excess funds of N282,525,547.38 as settlement of liquidation for auctioned state asset from AMCON .

20. Awarding 5.6 billion Naira contracts for renovation and construction of primary schools in the state.

21. Inuaguration of 8.631 billion Naira Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) in the three senatorial zones as a move to sustain peace, the project which entails highly sophisticated structures of settlements, schools, hospitals, markets, animal breeding system and other social amenities.

22. Revival of Zamfara Fertilizer Company after thirteen years of inactivity with 10 million Naira as initial step to kickstart a comprehensive agricultural revolution for economic growth and reduction of unemployment. The company now blends 20 tonnes per hour. 

23. Award of contract for the completion of Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital projects. 

24. Signing an MoU with Qatar Charity Organization offering to construct motorized boreholes, hand pumps, mosques and primary school. 

25. Provision of more funds for Zamfara Fertilizer Company. 

26. Upgrade of power supply by providing 60KVA Feeder transformer to substitute the 30KVA transformer. 

27. Sponsoring 200 students for undergraduate studies abroad.

28. Reinstating 556 teachers employed and dumped by the previous administration.

29. Payment of leave grants to civil servants which has been discontinued for seven years. 

30. Securing the release of the excess funds of N282,525,547.38 as settlement of liquidation for auctioned state asset from AMCON.

31. Procurement of 17 ambulances for all the General Hospitals in 14 Local Government Areas in the state and many more not covered in this piece for time constraint. 

From what has so far been achieved, it can be asserted that Zamfara has been put on the path economic growth and development in all sectors.

IBRAHIM BELLO ZAUMA

SSA NEW MEDIA

23/09/2019

ZAMFARA STATE GOVERNMENT UNCOVERS PLOT TO BREACH SECURITY

A plot to scuttle the effort of Zamfara State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, Governor Bello Muhammed Matawalle (MON) on security has been uncovered. 

Having noticed the overwhelming success of the present administration on security, some enemies of progress who politicise security are hellbent in reversing the serene peace which has been attained through conflicts resolution techniques employed by His Excellency Governor Bello Matawalle. 

As security is a collective responsibility, the state government enjoins all and sundry to be vigilant, security conscious and report any person or group of people suspected to be conniving to cause havoc in the state. 

The details of the intelligence report reveal a plot to execute coordinated attacks on soft targets in the state. However, citizens are urged not to panic but keep a watch as government will continue to do all it takes to safeguard lives and property of its citizens. 

Governor Bello Matawalle called on the people of Zamfara to complement government's efforts to ensure sustenance of peace and security in the state by supporting the peace initiative and by offering constant prayers for peace and progress to reign. 

Ibrahim Bello Zauma 

SSA NEW MEDIA

23/09/2019

GOVERNOR BELLO MATAWALLE ATTENDS NORTHERN STATE GOVERNORS FORUM MEETING

The Executive Governor of Zamfara (Dr) Bello Muhammed (Matawallen Maradun) attends Northern State Governors Forum meeting in Kaduna today.

The meeting which took place in Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House Kaduna witnessed the attendance of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Jigawa and Plateau State Governors.

Issues that dominated the meeting were security, Agriculture and the problem of Almajirci. 

Presenting the communique after the adjournment of the meeting, the Chairman NGF Simon Lalong read:

"The Northern States Governors Forum convenes an emergency meeting to discuss some key topical issues of common interest particularly the development of Agricultural sector which is the economic live wire of the region. The current security issue which has been persistent despite conserted efforts by all tiers of government has also been deliberated based on insightful analysis and address possible ways that the menace which is currently bedeviling the region. Consequently, the forum resolved to continue to adopt a sustainable and holistic approach towards curtailing the challenges.... 

The forum was well-informed about the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) and its disparity with RUGA plan. It is expected that the plan will ensure resettling and addressing the dislocated population in the key conflict zones to enable them become part of the agricultural modernization process. In the same vein it will provide mechanism for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation in the affected communities towards harmoniously mutually beneficial future. The forum therefore adopted the National Livestock Transformation Plan which lays out clear path for modernising pastoral activities. 

It further encourage all other states not included as pilot states to endeavour to join the programme. 

The forum received brief on the Almajiri phenomenon in Northern Nigeria which is not only endemic but pandemic. It noted the challenges of the system despite its conception in high religious and moral importance. Currently, many children increasingly exposed to exploitation thereby making them susceptible to criminal activities. The forum after indepth discussions resolved to collaborate further with experts in this field with the view to finding implementable recommendations to solve the Almajiri phenomenon and take children out of the streets. Finally, the chairman reiterated his determination to provide good leadership of the forum and take it to a greater height"

The resolutions of the forum have reflected the strength of the Governor Bello Matawalle's opinion in dialogue and conflict resolution approach, collaborative efforts to nip insecurity in the bud and the adoption of RUGA programme which he has flagged off in Zamfara. 

It could be remembered that Governor Bello Matawalle has last week attended Joint Transborder Security Meeting in Maradi where the attendants have resolved to tow the line of dialogue and reconciliation as one of the approaches advocated and adopted by the Zamfara State Government to solve the problem of insecurity. 

IBRAHIM BELLO ZAUMA 

SSA NEW MEDIA 

12/09/2019

GOVERNOR BELLO MATAWALLE ESTABLISHES STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

In a bid to highlight the goals of his administration and provide a clear pathway to meet its set priorities within the limited resources, His Excellency (Dr.) Bello Matawalle has established a powerful committee to lead the strategic planning process and develop the state’s Development Plan. The committee was constituted out of careful selection of seasoned intellectual luminaries with disciplinary relevance to strategy, planning and administration. The committee has been mandated to carry out the following functions:

1. Develop a ten-year (2020-2030) Development Plan for the state. 

2. Develop a Sector Strategic Plan and a Medium-term Sector Implementation Plan for the state. 

3. Liaise with government MDAs, national and international development partners to provide support for the state. 

4. Advise the Executive Governor on Strategy and Development matters. 

5. Advise the Executive Governor on the smooth take-off of the newly established Zamfara State University and the management and sustainability of all tertiary institutions in the state. 

6. Carryout any other duties that may be assigned by the Executive Governor. 

Composition of the Committee Membership:

1. Prof. Yusuf M. Adamu Tsafe  - Chairman

2. Prof. Yahaya A. Zakari - Vice Chairman

3. Alhaji Musa Ahmed Bungudu - Member

4. Jalaludeen Ibrahim Maradun - Member

5. Barr. Fatima A. Nahuche - Member

6. Dr. Bashir M. Maru - Member

7. Gazali Shehu Ahmad - Member/Secretary

YUSUF M. ADAMU TSAFE is a professor of Geography and former Director Strategic Planning Unit, Bayero University Kano; 

YAHAYA ABDULLAHI ZAKARI is a Professor of Development Economics and the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor Federal University Gusau;

ALHAJI MUSA AHMED BUNGUDU is a retired diplomat who served the United Nations (in different countries) for 32 years; 

JALALUDEEN IBRAHIM MARADUN is a university lecturer and the immediate past Deputy Dean of Student Affairs Division, Federal University Birnin-kebbi and currently a Research Fellow in a university in Norway;

 BARR. FATIMA ABUBAKAR NAHUCHE is a Lawyer and Judge at the FCT Customary Court of Appeal; 

DR. BASHIR M. MARU is a medical doctor with a hospital in Abuja and a specialist in Primary Healthcare; and GAZALI AHMAD SHEHU is an IT professional and specialist in Development Studies and Policy Analysis currently working for Federal Inland Revenue Service.

The committee will confer regularly with the Executive Governor and the Secretary to the State Government to discuss and, as necessary, adjust the direction of strategic planning. The Office of the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Strategy and Development in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Budget and Planning will play an integral role in this assignment through meetings and other key intersections within the process.

In carrying out the assignment, Governor Matawalle charges the members of Zamfara Strategy and Development Committee to work in the best interest of Zamfara State as a whole, with pragmatic awareness of the government’s resource constraints, deep knowledge of the trends and challenges in the state, and sensitivity to rebuilding Zamfara State. Governor Matawalle has expressed his appreciation to the members of the committee for accepting to participate in a process that will chart the state’s course for years to come, and further wished them Allah’s guidance in the discharge of their noble duties.

   

IBRAHIM BELLO ZAUMA 

SSA NEW MEDIA

11/09/2019