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.