News
Prioritise governance or resign, not smear campaigns – HURIWA to Zamfara governor
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reacted to the recent accusations made by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Governor Lawal had accused his predecessor of sponsoring bandits during an interview on TVC, suggesting that Matawalle should resign to clear his name.
In a press statement issued on Friday, and made available to CAPITAL POST in Abuja, HURIWA criticized Governor Lawal’s remarks, labeling the allegations as unsubstantiated and lacking merit. The rights group argued that the accusations against Matawalle, who served as Zamfara State Governor before his current appointment, are politically motivated and aimed at defaming his predecessor without credible evidence.
“During his interview, Governor Lawal claimed that Matawalle was involved in banditry and misappropriated billions of naira while in office. He accused the former governor of failing to address the insecurity in Zamfara.
Lawal further criticized Matawalle for leaving the state’s treasury in disarray, citing that over N250 billion was unaccounted for when he took over office”, HURIWA quoted.
However, HURIWA, in its response, dismissed Lawal’s claims as baseless. The group pointed out that Lawal’s allegations lack concrete evidence and are merely an attempt to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation. HURIWA also emphasized that the Minister of State for Defence remains a key figure in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, especially in the North-West region.
HURIWA noted that the Zamfara State governor should focus on addressing the pressing issues facing the state rather than engaging in political squabbles and working ahead of 2027 elections. He is spending the state resources on campaign of calumny against Matawalle from one media house to the other .The association expressed concern that while Governor Lawal is preoccupied with discrediting Matawalle, the state continues to suffer from insecurity, poverty, and economic instability.
The rights group also highlighted reports that Governor Lawal’s administration approved N19 billion for the procurement of kitchen equipment for the office of the First Lady, Huriyya Dauda Lawal, a move that has sparked outrage among citizens. Critics have condemned the extravagant spending amid widespread poverty and displacement in the state. HURIWA questioned the transparency and accountability of such an expenditure, especially when juxtaposed with the achievements of Matawalle’s administration.
HURIWA praised Matawalle’s contributions during his tenure as governor, highlighting several key achievements. These include the construction of an airport, roads, and healthcare facilities across Zamfara State. Under Matawalle’s leadership, the state also invested in security infrastructure, including the purchase of Hilux vehicles and ambulances, as well as the installation of solar-powered street lights in the state capital.
The group further noted Matawalle’s efforts in constructing primary healthcare centers in all 147 wards in the state, along with significant investments in education, including settling backlogs of payments for NECO and WAEC examinations in contrast to the claims of the Governor that he paid N1.2B each for NECO and WAEC while records shows that it was far below that. Let him present any empirical evidence.
HURIWA stated that these tangible achievements stand in stark contrast to Governor Lawal’s administration, which has been embroiled in controversies over frivolous spending and accusations of corruption.
In its statement, HURIWA further defended Matawalle’s integrity, asserting that he remains loyal to President Bola Tinubu and has the full trust of the administration. The group pointed out that Matawalle has been at the forefront of recent counterterrorism efforts in the North-West, working closely with service chiefs to combat banditry. According to HURIWA, the recent successes in the fight against terrorism, particularly in Sokoto and Zamfara, further demonstrate Matawalle’s commitment to eradicating insecurity in the region.
The rights group argued that it would be illogical for Matawalle to be involved in those accusations, given his active role in the ongoing war against bandits. “If the Minister of State for Defence had any remote connection to banditry, would he be at the helm of operations to decimate terrorist groups in the North-West? The answer is no,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA also dismissed calls for Matawalle’s resignation, suggesting instead that it is Governor Lawal who should step down. The group cited reports that Lawal declared N9 trillion in assets in his Code of Conduct submission, raising questions about his financial dealings. In addition, HURIWA referenced Lawal’s involvement in the high-profile corruption case involving Diezani Alison-Madueke, during which he was reportedly detained for over two months in connection with $44 billion in stolen funds. A letter also surfaced Online with his signature and that of the SSG approving money to bandits and terrorists which makes him culpable.
It is important to note that during Matawalle’s tenure as Governor, Zamfara State got N354 billion, this includes FAAC, VAT, IGR,LOAN, GRANTS and other sundry revenue, out of this he paid Salary and other allowances costing N136 billion, 800 million for 4 years And with a balance of N109 billion, 829 million,860 thousand and seven hundred and three naira and out of the balance he carried out capital projects such as purchase 200 Hilux security vehicles, constructed special primary health centres,147 primary health centres , Cargo Airport, , constructed 14 special health centres in 14 L.G.A’s , purchased 200 Tricycle Ambulances, constructed a General hospital in Talata mafara, constructed king Fahad General hospital in Samaru Gusau, installed 50 kilometers of Solar electricity in Gusau, purchased Armoured security vehicles, Ambulances and drones, construction of State liason offices in Missisipi and Ganges street in Maitama Abuja, construction of 14 Governors lodge in 24 LGA in Zamfara state ,procured Best Premier hotel in Wuse 2 Abuja as an investment for the state , constructed 28 Town ship Roads , constructed Emirs lodge in Kaduna, constructed Garba Nadama conference centre in Gusau and host of other projects. So where did N250 billion he is accusing Matawalle of come from?. Is he not deceiving the public?.
Moreover, HURIWA pointed to emerging evidence that Governor Lawal has allegedly been involved in providing financial support to bandits, fostering a climate of insecurity that persists in the state. The association condemned Lawal’s media campaign to discredit his predecessor, urging him to provide concrete evidence to substantiate his claims.
HURIWA also stressed the need for accountability and transparency in government spending, particularly concerning the questionable ₦19 billion kitchen equipment expenditure. The association concluded by urging both the governor and the Minister of State for Defence to prioritize the needs of their people and collaborate in addressing the security challenges plaguing Zamfara and the wider North-West region.
The rights group also urged Nigerians to disregard the allegations against Matawalle, calling them intellectually weak and lacking evidence. “It is time for Governor Lawal to put the interests of Zamfara people first and work towards solutions, not smear campaigns,” HURIWA stated.
All these actions of Governor Lawal shows that he doesn’t want the insecurity to finish by distracting the Honourable Minister of State for Defence.
HURIWA urges Matawalle to continue his good work and fight against bandits.
HaAN OPEN LETTER TO ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR: THE CASE OF GOING TO EQUITY WITHOUT CLEAN HANDS
My attention as a Public Affairs Commentator and Citizen of Wukari in Taraba State has been invited to various invectives of unprecedented dimension directed at His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON by my brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar ostensibly to give oxygen to resurrect his endless political odyssey and sordid presidential ambition. I am weighing into this public narrative to interrogate various disruptions triggered by some notable politicians like Atiku Abubakar in our national life.
It is hardly possible to build anything out of frustration and bitterness. This is sadly the predicament of a one-time Vice President, Atiku Abubakar who is on course to being enlisted in the Guinness Book of Records, as the only person globally, who has unsuccessfully contested for President for six times spanning 33 years.
These bitterness and frustration have beclouded his reasoning. Atiku Abubakar, who is shamefully a dominant mention in every page of the corruption history in Nigeria, an insipid and serial sodomist, could have rather used the Ramadan period to seek for the atonement of his many mortal and monumental sins from the Almighty Allah, but his engagement in chicanery and unbridled umbrage in the most malicious and defamatory manner is the sad characterization of a man reputed for low family values and child abuse.
The series of pernicious lies peddled by Atiku deserve response in this era of positive and innovative Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has invited collective actions for the growth and prosperity of Nigeria. Atiku Abubakar’s putrid and repulsive corrupt practices have made Nigerians to reject him for a record six times. A master of failure indeed!
It is an established fact that Atiku Abubakar is the most corrupt Nigerian, having been associated with every high-profile corruption allegation in the country across the private and public sectors. In 1996, the then Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha seized control of the NICOTES shares belonging to him and renamed it Integrated Logistics Services Inc.
In 2006, Atiku was indicted by the EFCC and the Federal Government Administrative Panel of Inquiry after a Special Audit /Forensic Investigation of PTDF from 1999 to May 31, 2006.
Internationally, he is known as a super conman. Atiku’s association with American Congressman William Jefferson, who was jailed for 13 years in 2009 over bribery and other charges is well known to millions of Nigerians.
For those who don’t know, Atiku was the subject of a probe about 15 years ago by the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs chaired by Senator Carl Levin. He was indicted for using offshore companies to siphon about 40 million dollars from Nigeria between 2000 and 2008 to his fourth wife in the United States, Jennifer Iwenjiora Douglas Abubakar (now divorced).
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom Atiku served for 8 years as Vice President, in his book ’MY WATCH’, in the chapter, titled “Atiku and US Justice Entanglement”, gave a vivid account of “corrupt involvement” of Atiku with a company called iGATE and William Jefferson. Obasanjo equally linked Atiku to the embezzlement of $20 million, funds that were to be utilized by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and another $125 million to fund PTDF during 2003 fiscal year.
The immediate past governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has also spoken eloquently about Atiku’s corrupt adventure. In his book, ’The Accidental Public Servant’, El-Rufai gave a detailed account of Atiku’s corrupt involvement in Ericsson’s deals, the PTDF scandal, Abuja Water Treatment Plant contract and his obsession with marabouts – these marabouts that have been deceiving him since 1991 that he will be president.
A serial women abuser, Atiku has divorced two of his wives since 1971 (Ladi and Jennifer). In the case of Jennifer, even after the divorce, he threatened and bullied her out of Nigeria. Jennifer had to sell her law chambers in Nigeria and relocated to the UK.
He has been after the woman in an attempt to dispossess her of her assets and properties.
A certified child abuser, Atiku’s exploits with hapless boys and young men are well known. No wonder, in his eight years as vice president and many years as wealthy man (though filthy), Atiku could not boast of a school that could cater for the educational needs of the less privileged, especially boys (Almajiri’s), but now runs the exotic ABTI University and a host of other businesses that are out of the reach of the common man.
In the contrary, unlike Atiku Abubakar, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON has for over two decades, conducted himself with integrity and transparency. His accomplishments in Akwa Ibom State, in particular, and Nigeria in general, are symbolized in the countless legacies of infrastructure, human capacity development and tourists’ hub.
Just yesterday (Tuesday), the Super Eagles of Nigeria hosted The Warriors of Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. The stadium, which is the only FIFA approved facility in Nigeria, was built by Akpabio as governor of the state. What did Atiku do for Adamawa state and Nigeria?
The Zimbabwean delegation also flew Ibom Air and landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo- all legacies of the Uncommon Transformer. But where are Atiku’s legacies for the people? He can only lay claim to a chain of businesses, which are products of pillaging and corrupt investments.
In all of these, it is crystal clear that Akpabio’s unflinching support for President Tinubu, who blocked Atiku’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the APC in 2015 and frustrated his return bid in 2019 and yet floored him in the 2023 general elections is the reason for Atiku’s hostile charge against the Senate President.
But using Akpabio as a ladder to get to the president cannot do Atiku any good. Both Tinubu and Akpabio are united by the resolve to rejig and reset the nation and give Nigerians dividends of democracy, which Atiku as vice president worked tirelessly to undermine for personal aggrandizement.
It is also axiomatic that Atiku has started preparation for the 2027 general elections. As for Akpabio and Tinubu, they are preoccupied with state and governance issues and would not swim with the former vice president in his quest to distract the duo from delivering good governance to Nigerians. When 2027 comes, Nigerians will, for the umpteenth time give, Atiku a black eye and vote the best candidate.
DANJUMA ISAIAH writes from
Wukari in Taraba State
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubaka mini visited the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Umar Dikko Umaru Radda, at the Government House in Katsina to express condolences following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umar Bare-Bari Radda.
During the visit, Minister Abubakar, on behalf of himself, his family, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle MON and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda, his family, and the people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
In his remarks, he prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her mercy, and bestow upon her a place in Jannatul Firdaus. He also offered prayers for the Governor and his family, asking for strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo and Hon. Mas’ud A. Naruwa, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Hadejia and Babura, respectively.
All political office holders who were appointed by the embattled governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have been suspended from office by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
They were suspended from office with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, saying the decision followed powers granted the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to Fubara were among those suspended from office.
Commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were all relieved of their appointments.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu after the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibas, who is a former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to maintain law and order in the state.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” he said to State House correspondents after the swearing-in.
He also promised to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that order is restored in the state.
-
News1 week agoPlateau gov’t expresses concern over violence in Shendam LGA, calls for calm
-
Politics1 week agoOpposition leaders announce coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027
-
Opinion1 week agoSule Lamido, PDP, and the politics of defection.
-
Politics1 week agoYahaya Bello deceptively arranging recall of Senator Natasha, desperate to replace her – Constituents
-
Foreign5 days agoHouthis declare Ben-Gurion Airport ‘no longer safe’ after renewed Gaza fighting
-
Politics1 week agoAtiku, El-rufai, Obi condemn Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers Governor, demand reversal
-
News6 days agoWhy Christ Embassy’s Pastor Chris holds Abuja mega crusade – Fisho
-
Politics1 week agoLagos PDP tackles Jandor for defecting to APC