Politics
Matawalle championing the new face of the North
Matawalle championing the new face of the North
By Sola Olugbemiro
Unknown to many, since year 2019 when Bello Matawalle became the executive governor of Zamfara state, a new style of administration has witnessed the state, emerging from relative unknown status, to global prominence in many areas of life.
Over the years, Matawalle has proven to be a man of the people, who is equally loved by the people. One that can be compared to the likes of the Great Obafemi Awolowo in the west, Nnamdi Azikiwe in the east, and the Great Tarawa Balewa in the north, because of his charismatic style of governance.
An achiever, Matawalle proved to be an able administrator. His first point strategy on assuming office was to face the states challenges which were illegal miners, tin gods and war lords and he successfully dislodged them, making peace with bandits and recovery their arms and ammunition.
With peace in place in the state, Matawalle introduced his blueprint for development. And he took all aspects of development one after the otherelease focusing on urban development on one hand and facilitatingredients rural development on the other hand.
Knowing fully well that education galvanises growth, Matawalle provided and equipped schools, later met with TETFund, where he secured N1b intervention for Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Talata Mafara, did the enlistment of ZAMSU.and kick-started UBE pilot scheme for the construction of International Standard Primary School in Maradun.
The schools in the rural areas, are supported with clinics and earth dams. A move which enabled rural grazing areas and settled rifts among cattle grazers.
Matawalle re-introduced school to the nomadic Fulani settlements and discontinuing the almajiri system through enlightenment campaigns and youth empowerment programmes enabling skills development among youths.
Matawalle brought scholarships for students to grow the educational ratio of the state, and paying of WAEC examination fees for many who could not meet up with the payment.
As part of encouragement, teachers were reminded of their importance in the development of the state teachers as teachers were paid their backlog of salaries and also re-inststed and promoted many.
He urbanised the capital city Gusau, opening commercial districts and building structures in the rural areas too.
Like the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the West who systematically created the Odua group, building infrastructureservices that have stood the test of time, Matawalle has taken to the same strides.with new infrastructure around the state being tested order of the day, with negotiated contracts with the Chinese to turn around the state into a state to be reckoned with.
A fine gentleman with taste for cleanliness that portrays excellence, Matawalle is gradually championing the new face of the North that will be competitive in commerce, infrastructure, diplomatic ties, and sociocultural development.
Always adorned in colourful sartorial wears, Matawalle protrudes a confidencertificate that governance is all about the people, to re-position the state in order that the citizens become relevant to themselves and the global community.
Matawalle’s success in re-positioning Zamfara state is a challenge to all part of the north, that democracy is about government of the people, to the people and for the people. It iseems also a statement to the country at large, that a new face of the North has emerged and here to stay.
Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments
By Ifeoma Ikem
Edo State local government chairmen have denounced their alleged suspension by the State House of Assembly as illegal, urging the governor and lawmakers to respect court rulings affirming their tenure and authority.
On December 17, reports emerged that the Assembly suspended all 18 council chairmen and their deputies following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s petition alleging gross misconduct and insubordination. The petition cited Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law (2000) as its basis.
However, the chairmen, through their legal counsel, Ogaga Ovrawah (SAN), contend that this provision had been declared unconstitutional in a judgment by the Edo State High Court in Suit No. B/257OS/2024. The court established the chairmen’s tenure as a three-year term commencing September 4, 2023.
The council leaders also referenced a Supreme Court judgment voiding state governors’ and assemblies’ authority to interfere with local government administration. They emphasized that their suspension contradicts existing judicial rulings and remains a legal nullity.
A recent interim order from the Edo High Court further restrained the government from obstructing the councils’ operations, assets, and funds. Despite being served notices of these judgments, the chairmen argue that the governor and assembly acted in defiance of the judiciary.
The embattled chairmen called for the governor to withdraw his request to the Assembly and for the lawmakers to rescind their resolution, warning of potential constitutional crises if the orders are ignored.
They urged security agencies to enforce court rulings, safeguard local government properties, and ensure the continuity of governance.
“The rule of law must prevail,” they stated, pledging to remain committed to their constitutional duties.
- Mukuru’s Awarding of Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institution (DTMFI) Licence - a Boost for Financial Inclusion in Zimbabwe December 19, 2024
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry Opens, Elevating Hospitality in Guinea’s Capital December 19, 2024
- Central Committee of National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) Conducts its 11th Regular Meeting December 19, 2024
- 5 Signs that you Should Change Payroll Providers in 2025 December 19, 2024
- International Tribunal Rejects Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Attempt to Avoid Accountability on the Glencore Bribery Case December 19, 2024
- The future of customs: how technology and partnerships are paving the way for global trade (By Arnaud Bouraima) December 19, 2024
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and German cooperation in partnership with Tostan to promote social cohesion in fragile regions of Benin December 19, 2024
- AMS-IX internet exchange traffic grows 200% in Equinix's Lagos Data Center December 19, 2024
- Canon and Copy Cat Group Showcase Advanced Printing Solutions at 9th Print Pack Sign Expo in Kenya December 19, 2024
- African Development Bank Group approves €139 million loan to boost youth employment in Côte d'Ivoire December 18, 2024
- Mukuru’s Awarding of Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institution (DTMFI) Licence - a Boost for Financial Inclusion in Zimbabwe December 19, 2024
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry Opens, Elevating Hospitality in Guinea’s Capital December 19, 2024
- Central Committee of National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) Conducts its 11th Regular Meeting December 19, 2024
- 5 Signs that you Should Change Payroll Providers in 2025 December 19, 2024
- International Tribunal Rejects Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Attempt to Avoid Accountability on the Glencore Bribery Case December 19, 2024
- The future of customs: how technology and partnerships are paving the way for global trade (By Arnaud Bouraima) December 19, 2024
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and German cooperation in partnership with Tostan to promote social cohesion in fragile regions of Benin December 19, 2024
-
Entertainment6 months agoAkanke Amororo: The New Yoruba Movie Everyone Is Talking About + Why People Are Rushing To YouTube To See It
-
Politics6 months agoGov Fubara And One Year of His Signature in Rivers By Nath Odili
-
Business7 months agoFIRSTBANK WINS 2024 BEST SME BANK IN NIGERIA AND BEST SME BANK IN AFRICA BY ASIAN BANKER AWARDS
-
Politics7 months agoProbing Rivers Ugly Past* By Simon Peter