Tag: Matawalle

PHOTOS: Your People Will Respect You More For Joining APC, Buhari Tells Ayade And Matawalle

 

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday at State House, Abuja, received the Governors of Cross River and Zamfara States, who recently left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The new APC members, Governors Ben Ayade and Bello Matawalle were accompanied to the event by the Chairman Caretaker Committee of the Party and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, Gov Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State who is Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, and Governor Muhammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State.

President Buhari handed the flags of the party to the two Governors, raised their hands aloft, and declared:

“This is one of the happiest times for us at this party. For you to have the courage to leave your constituencies to speak a lot. I wish Nigerians will reflect on it.

“I congratulate you for leaving your constituencies for our great party. We lost many states at the last election, which is unusual for a ruling party. But we did it to prove that we are a tolerant group. We wanted to demonstrate that we respect individuals.

“We emphasized that we respect our people. That was why we insisted on free and fair elections. Leaders should show honesty and respect for their followers.”

READ ALSO: You Stand On The Shoulders Of Giants, Osinbajo Tells Nigeria’s Olympic Team

President Buhari added that the coming of the two Governors to APC was very important to the party, adding: “To be principled and identify your objectives is a great quality that should endear us to our people. Your people will respect you more for having the courage to come to APC at your own time. Nobody forced you, but you believe it is the best way to serve your people. I value your decision.”

Governor Mai Mala Buni said the Governors joined APC in appreciation of the good works the President was doing for the country and also announced that ward, local government, and state congresses of the party would start from July 31, 2021.

He said the congresses were shifted for one week because the initial dates clashed with Sallah festivities.

PRESIDENT BUHARI ZAMFARA GOV AND SPEAKER 2. President Muhammadu Buhari receives Zamfara State Governor, Alh Bello Mohammed Matawalle accompanied by the Speaker of the State, Rt Hon Nasiru Magargaya during an audience at the State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. JULY 12 2021.

Zamfara Deputy Governor Refuses To Join APC With Matawalle

Zamfara State Deputy Governor Muhammad Gusau addressing the press on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

 

The Zamfara State Deputy Governor Muhammad Gusau has refused to move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after his principal Governor Bello Matawalle defected to the ruling party from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

Governor Matawalle officially joined the APC on Tuesday and was welcomed to the party in a grand event held in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

But in a press briefing on the same day, Gusau pledged his loyalty to Nigeria’s main opposition party and hinged his decision on counsel from his family and associates.

“After due consultation with my family, friends, and supporters, especially members of my party, the PDP, I have decided to remain in my political party, the PDP,” the deputy governor said as he recalled the legal tussle that gave himself and his principal the mandate to lead the northwestern state. 

Although he claimed that the governor did not consult him before his defection to the APC, Gusau promised to work with his principal in addressing the numerous challenges facing the state. 

“At no time have I been informed or consulted of any planned defection neither by my boss, the party nor anyone else for that matter,” he explained. “I have also not been invited either in my official or personal capacity for any planned defection.”

READ ALSO: PDP Leaders Storm NASS To Protest Nomination Of Lauretta Onochie

‘Poaching Governors’

The PDP is Nigeria’s main opposition party.

 

Matawalle’s defection is the latest in the list of high-profile political office holders who have left the PDP in recent times. His defection is coming less than two months after his Cross River State counterpart Ben Ayade left the PDP for APC.

Three more senators also joined the APC. The letter conveying their movement to the ruling party was read out by Senate President Ahmad Lawan during a plenary session on Wednesday.

Senators Peter Nwaoboshi of Delta North; Sahabi Ya’u of Zamfara North and Lawali Anka who represents Zamfara West are the new lawmakers in the ranks of the APC.

READ ALSO: Governor Matawalle Formally Defects To APC, Becomes Party Leader In Zamfara

Despite this, the PDP says it will recapture the presidential seat it lost to the APC in 2015.

“We stand here to state clearly that we will form the next government come 2023 because of the masses, not the governors who are leaving the PDP,” the national chairman of the party, Uche Secondus said during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

He accused the APC of “poaching governors” from the PDP and intimidating them to join the ruling party.

“I have never seen a country where you have an economic crisis, [and] insecurity then the ruling party goes poaching governors,” Secondus added. “It is a shame that all the governors left for fear; they were intimidated by the instrument of the government of the APC.”

 

Buhari Welcomes Matawalle To APC, Says Ruling Party Performance Makes It Popular

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, on his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that the ruling party “is becoming more popular because of its impressive performance record and commitment to good governance.”

In a message delivered on his behalf by Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) at the defection ceremony in Gusau on Tuesday, President Buhari said:

“I’m proud of your timely and wise decision to join the governing party and our doors are wide open to other politicians who believe in our vision to rebuild Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Governor Matawalle Formally Defects To APC, Becomes Party Leader In Zamfara

“Your voluntary decision to join our party confirms the fact that our agenda for good governance is the only reason why Nigerians are getting attracted to the APC because the other alternative didn’t work.”

The President used the occasion to urge APC Governors and elected lawmakers across the country “to continue to work harder to ensure our party maintains its popularity and retains power beyond 2023.”

He reminded all elected party officials of the fact that “your performance at all levels will impact significantly on the fortunes of the party”, adding that “party leaders should avoid complacency at all times in order to build the APC from strength to strength.”

Governor Matawalle Formally Defects To APC, Becomes Party Leader In Zamfara

A file photo of Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle.

 

Governor Bello Matawalle has formally announced his defection to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Zamfara State. 

Speaking at a rally on Tuesday in Gusau, Matawalle said that he had been nursing the ambition of leaving his party PDP for several reasons.

“I am now the leader of APC in Zamfara state and I am ready to work with each and everyone wishing to contribute to the rapid development of the state”.

The National Caretaker Committee Chairman of APC and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni congratulates Matawalle for defecting to the party.

Matawalle said based on the provision of the APC, Governor Bello Matawalle was now the leader of APC in Zamfara state

READ ALSO: Niger State Government Sacks 758 Workers Over Misconduct

He also announced that the state caretaker committee has been dissolved.

“I also want to bring to your notice that as from today, the APC Caretaker committees of Zamfara state from the ward to the state level have been dissolved”.

Also speaking at the occasion, the former Governor of the state, Abdul Aziz Yari welcomed Governor Bello Matawalle to APC, adding that, he was ready to give all necessary support and cooperation for Matawalle to succeed.

“I want to bring to the notice of each and everyone in Zamfara state that, I am not in any way against the defection of Governor Matawalle to our great party”.

“I was a Governor for two terms as such, I thank the Almighty Allah for giving the chance to lead my people for eight years”.

Governor Matawalle joined the APC with all members of the state House of Assembly and National Assembly Members except a representative from Anka/Talata-Mafara Federal Constituency who remains in the PDP, the state Deputy Governor, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau also did not decamp to the APC.

The rally was attended by Governors of Kogi, Niger, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Borno, Ogun, Jigawa, Plateau, and Kebbi State, Secretary to the Government of Federation Boss Mustapha and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, and others.

Matawalle Inaugurates Anti-Illegal Mining Committee

A file photo of Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle.

 

The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle has set up an anti-illegal mining committee that will curb the activities of mining in the state.

Governor Matawalle said the inauguration of the committee was imperative in the light of the continued illegal mining activities despite outlawing the practice which, in itself, is counterproductive.

The governor made this known while inaugurating the Anti-illegal mining committee in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

Matawalle says there are over 100,000 artisanal miners in the State who produce ten tonnes of gold annually before the current suspension of mining activities by the Federal Government.

He said the artisanal miners produce 10 tonnes of gold per year which they sell at a local value of 70-80% of the international price.

The Federal Government had announced a ban on mining activities in Zamfara State in January 2019, when it believed there is a nexus between escalating insecurity and the mining activities in the state.

It later constituted an anti-illegal mining squad to checkmate the activities and ensure compliance with the banned.

The inauguration of the Anti-illegal mining committee by the Zamfara State Government is meant to complement the Federal government Anti-illegal mining squad to check the activities of the illegal miners.

He said the link between the worsening insecurity and illegal mining underscore the need to check the activities in the state with a view to eradicating criminals.

Matawalle Inspects Zamfara International Airport, Expresses Satisfaction On Work Progress

A file photo of Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle.

 

The Zamfara State Governor,  Bello Matawalle on Thursday inspected the ongoing construction work at the Zamfara state International Cargo Airport to access the quality and progress of work.

Governor Bello Matawalle who expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the site assured that aircraft will commence before the end of this year.

He directed the company handling the project to ensure that the runway, all terminal sections commence operations before the end of this year, hoping that all airport facilities and equipment will be on the ground before the stipulated time.

The Governor also expressed delight with the construction of a terminal building which has reached a high level of percentage and directed for the construction of access roads and other necessary facilities in good time.

READ ALSO: Zamfara Governor Orders Closure Of Four Markets, Revokes All Land Titles

The Matawallen Maradun said the state Government will Construct a befitting modern Hajj camp and pilgrims accommodation close to the Airport so that intending pilgrims of the state and neighbouring states will be accommodated while waiting for their take-off time to Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, the state Commissioner of Works and Transport, Engineer Ibrahim Isah Mayana and the project site Engineer briefed the Governor on the progress of work at the site.

The Commissioner who took the Governor round said work is going on based on the guidelines and the constructional agreement and assuring to beat time.

Similarly, the Governor visited the ongoing work of the runway at the Project site and other facilities under construction.

The Shettiman Sokoto said if completed Zamfara State International Cargo Airport would be the best and most modern cargo airport in the north.

He assured that the airport project would provide job opportunities to teeming unemployed youth in the State.

Banditry: Matawalle Vows To Demolish Houses Harbouring Weapon Suppliers In Zamfara

A file photo of Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle.

 

 

The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has vowed to demolish any house that is harbouring weapons suppliers or informants.

The Governor disclosed this on Tuesday when he received the Sokoto state governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal along with his Council members who came to commiserate with the government and people over the recent bandit’s attack in some parts of the state.

Matawalle said he has instructed for serious punitive measures including the demolition of any house where informants, weapons suppliers, and people who are aiding banditry activities are arrested in the state with immediate effect.

He said the action became necessary in order to fully address the resurgence of armed banditry activities in some parts of the state which is being aided by the people who are living mostly in the cities and providing information to the bandits in the bushes.

Matawalle further said the activities of the informants are creating a lot of problems in the ongoing fight against banditry in the state and called for the support of citizens in the state in order to win the fight.

He also urged traditional rulers in the state to keep vigil and monitor the activities of landlords in giving out houses for rent, directing them to report any suspicious movement to security agencies for immediate action.

The governor explained that if actions like monitoring movements of suspicious characters are taken, the killing of innocent souls will reduce significantly in the state.

The Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in his response said he was in Zamfara State to commiserate with the government and people over the recent unfortunate killing of innocent souls in some of the state which he described as “devastating and tragic.”

READ ALSO: Police Orders Ban Of Tashe Festival In Katsina

Tambuwal who noted the killing of innocent souls as a serious calamity prayed for the repose of the souls of those lost during the attacks.

The Governor said that they were happy with the commendable efforts taken by Matawalle in handling bandits activities which decimated killings and other crimes since the coming of Matawalle’s administration and will not accept the sudden sad resurgence of the banditry.

He later led members of his Executive Council in prayers for an end to the killings bedeviling the country.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Bala Bello Maru, Head of Service, Kabiru Balarabe, Chief of Staff Government House, Col Bala Mande rtd, Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Dr. Bashir Mohammed Maru, state PDP Chairman, Tukur Umar Danfulani, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries and Directors-General among others.

 

Matawalle Condemns Attack On Zamfara Communities, Orders Assessment Of Damages

A file photo of Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle.

 

The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has condemned the attack on some communities in the Magami District of Gusau Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by the Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Dosara, the governor ordered an immediate stock-taking into the damages on the affected communities.

His statement comes after gunmen attacked four villages and killed about 80 people in two separate attacks.

Governor Matawalle described such as a callous act of terrorism mated to innocent people carrying out their legitimate businesses in search of food for their respective families.

READ ALSO: At Least 50 Persons Killed As Bandits Attack Zamfara Communities

“The government, therefore, condemned the act of terrorism targeted at law-abiding citizens who have been contributing to the development of the state in particular and the country in general.

“The government disturbed by the senseless killings, maiming, and general destruction of lives and property of the mostly farming communities had already condoled with the families of the victims of the dastardly act of the callous.

“The government regretted that the evil act happened when the government is making every effort to ensure the full return of peace and security in the state”, the statement read in parts.

He also noted that the government will support and assist the families of the victims.

Meanwhile, the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs was directed to as a matter of urgency, mobilise to the affected communities and provide immediate assistance to the families of the victims.

The government also implored security agencies in the state to collaborate with one another to provide the needed security to the areas and across the state.

The government also deemed it necessary to order for the immediate closure of the following markets beginning from today Thursday, April 22, 2021, until further notice.

The markets are:

1. Magami Market in Gusau Local Government

2. Dansadau Market in Maru Local Government

3. Wanke Market in Gusau Local Government

4. Dauran Market in Zurmi Local Government

Security agencies are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance. They are also ordered to deal, ruthlessly, with anyone found violating law and order within and around the affected markets.

Matawalle Receives COVID-19 Vaccine, Says No Side Effect

Governor Matawalle receives COVID-19 vaccine

 

Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle on Monday received his first dose of the Jab Astrazeneca Vaccine at the Government House in Gusau.

Governor Matawalle was administered the injection by the state Commissioner of Health, Yahaya Kanoma while the Speaker, Zamfara State House Assembly, Hon. Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya and the state Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Dr. Bashir Mohammed Maru were among the first to receive the first Jab of Astrazeneca vaccine along with the governor.

Governor Mattawalle shows his COVID-19 vaccine card

 

Speaking after receiving the injection, Governor Matawalle urged citizens of the state to accept the Vaccine as physicians have already explained that it doesn’t have any negative effect on human lives.

He says the vaccination will ensure total protection from the deadly disease of Covid-19 as globally acknowledged.

He directed that the vaccine should be given to all eligible persons including security operatives, Federal Government civil servants in the State among others.

The governor also said a public Enlightenment campaign has already commenced for the people of the state to accept the vaccination.

Gov Matawalle Reshuffles His Cabinet

 

The Zamfara State Governor Dr. Bello Mohammed (Matawallen Maradun), has reshuffled his cabinet with the redeployment of three commissioners and assigning portfolio to two other newly inaugurated commissioners who took the oath of office at council chamber Gusau on Friday.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Bala Bello Mary, said the reshuffled cabinet is with immediate effect.

According to the statement, the minor reshuffled affecting five ministries and the assigning commissioners includes the two newly inaugurated Commissioners Abdullahi Mohammed Gurbin Bore and Aliyu Mohammed E.S who were assigned and deployed to the Ministries of Higher Education and Education respectively.

Others are Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Spirow) who moved from Education to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abdulkadir Buhari Gora moved from the Ministry of Youths to the ministry of water resources and Alhaji Junaidu Mohammed Bukkuyum also redeployed to the ministry for Social and Community Development.

Similarly, Governor Matawalle has also approved the submission of two nominees for the position of Honourable commissioners to the state House of Assembly for confirmation and they are Hajiya Faika Mohammed Ahmed and Hon. Abu Makau.

In a similar development, the state government has approved the submission of two nominees for the position of Sole Administrators to the state House of Assembly for confirmation.

The two nominees are Abubakar Shehu Daki Takwas and Dr. Aminu Suleiman Yarkofoji, while the affairs of Bakura and Gummi local government councils are to be handled by their respective local government secretaries until further notice.

The state Governor Dr Bello Mohammed (Matawallen Maradun), has also upgraded the Directorate of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to a full-fledged Ministry.

Zamfara Working On The Release Of Abducted Jangebe School Girls – Gov Matawalle

Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, during a state broadcast.

 

Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle has vowed that his administration will do everything within its powers to rescue the abducted Jangebe school girls.

Channels Television had earlier reported that about 317 girls were kidnapped from the Government Girls Science Secondary School Jangebe, by marauders.

In his latest reaction to the incident, Governor Matawalle promised to return the girls to the warm embrace of their respective families.

Matawalle made this vow while playing host to the council of 17 Emirs who paid a sympathy visit to the governor in the early hours of Sunday.

He assured the Council that in spite of everything, he will never stop the peace process his government has initiated with bandits, stating that it is still the best option for finding lasting peace in the state.

READ ALSO: Seven Killed As Bandits Attack Two Councils In Kaduna

‘Any sabotage to the efforts we are making in the state is sabotage to the efforts of the Federal Government. The world knows our boundaries and the world knows our successes’, Matawalle stated.

On his part, the Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad, who is the Chairman of the Council said the people are aware that just as the government is doing its best there are those who are doing their worst to sabotage the efforts being made.

Alhaji Ahmad while stating that the council is aware that Governor Matawalle does not control the security architecture, said the people who they represent believe that if the governor was in control of the security framework, then the incident at Jangebe would not have occurred.

“As true representatives of our subjects, we are here to register our sympathy with you and to promise you that we are solidly behind you in your bid to secure our communities’ the Emirs assured the governor.

The council urged the governor not to be overly troubled regarding the attack and prayed that God will return the girls back home safely.

Matawalle Approves Creation Of Three Additional Ministries In Zamfara

Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, during a state broadcast on May 4, 2020.

 

The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has approved the creation of three additional ministries in the state.

This makes the total number of ministries in the state 22.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Bello Maru, said the approval was in accordance with the nature of governance and to allow for effective service delivery.

The newly created ministries are as follows.

1. Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism

2. Ministry of Higher Education

3. Ministry for Social and Community development.

Accordingly, some of the existing ministries are restructured and named as follows:

i. Ministry of Information;

ii. Ministry of Commerce and Industries;

iii. Ministry of Women and Children Affairs;

iv. Ministry for Local Government Affairs; and

v. Ministry of Science and Technical Education.

“In accordance with restructuring exercise, His Excellency relieved all Special Advisers of their appointments. Similarly all the Directors General are hereby dropped to enable for proffer reorganisation of the existing Directorates.

“Accordingly, both the Special Advisers and the Directors General are hereby directed to hand over the affairs of their organisations to the accounting officers, or the Directors of Administration of their respective Directorates, as the case may be.

“This announcement takes immediate effect”, he added.