It is indeed, an unprecedented happenstance that the politics of ZAMFARA State would take a sudden and total twist to form a government so chosen by destiny as that of the present Governor, Bello Muhammad (Matawallen Maradun). The euphoria following this twist, the dumpfoundedness that befell losers in the game and the celebration galore across the land joined together in kick-starting the administration. Hence, His Excellency is not unaware of the various forces and interests that were involved in the process of making this ephoc a reality.
In a very characteristic manner of "priority comes first" , His Excellency, Governor Bello Matawalle sets aside political matters and faced the gargantuan task ahead of him which was to ensure peace and harmony returns to the State. He onerously pursued this to a resounding success. Any supporter of his administration can only succeed in promoting him by this fundamental act. Any loser can only find a base to bring his administration down if he had failed in this task. Hence, his resounding success began to attract members of other political parties to his administration just as it continued to add confidence and valor to those who are with him.
In the past three months or thereabout, His Excellency, Governor Matawalle has received members of the opposition, mainly from the losing ruling party, the APC, into the People's Democratic Party. So far, thousands of decampees have openly expressed their total loyalty to the new administration as they publicly dumped their former political parties for the new ruling party. The latest, being a total catapult from his very own local government area, Maradun, where everyone else as at now, seemed to have abandoned other political parties for the PDP. As expected, the reactions of ZAMFARA people to this development is a mixed grill.
One one hand, there are those who are already members of the ruling peoples democratic party. One arm believes the defections in droves is a good omen. The other arm feels it is an opportunistic attempt by the decampees. On the other hand is the non partisan people who are genuinely worried for their Governor, lest he be jeopardised by those who form part of the last discredited administration in the state. Both arms have shown their concern, with many of their activists openly advising the Governor to take the development with a pinch of salt.
In truth, politics is not a rigidity. It is the most flexible game that can ever be played. In this regard, a Nigerian word, not found in dictionary, but known to the world of politics is "cross carpeting". And it is legal in politics. Politicians have the right to change a party when the manifesto they signed is not being adhered to. The only demand could be the rules. Governor Matawalle has no right to stop anyone from joining the political party he also happened to have joined. People register legitimately and have the right to play the game along with it.
Indeed, one of the most popar Forbes magazine's quotes on politics is that of the American politician, William Clay, who said, "This is quite a game, politics. There are no permanent enemies, and no permanent friends, only permanent interests". The interest of Natawalle's administration is to attain a stable and prosperous ZAMFARA State. Any Indigene of ZAMFARA State is free to join his Excellency in this pursuit. Those who are joining in droves are Zamfarans who have a stake to contribute their quota in the development of the state.
Yes, the fear of those who caution the Governor against the supposed ulterior motives of the decampees may be genuine. But His Excellency is not here at the Government House with a knife in his hands to cut the people's cake to pieces for politicians to share. He is here to suprintend on these resources to make sure they are employed for the common good of the people. And everyone is welcomed to assist him in this regard. With Matawalle on the drivers seat, party and non party adherents should be rest assured that ZAMFARA State is totally in very safe hands.
