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Opinion: On The Gang-up Against Bello Mattawale By Gov. Dauda Lawal And His Cohorts 

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By Joseph Akinola
From the time that Bello Matawalle was nominated as Minister OF the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023, Dauda Lawal the Governor of Zamfara State has been ill at ease.
The circumstances of his victory at the gubernatorial election as well as subsequent victory at the Election petition Tribunal did not give room for sound sleep. He knew that when pushing comes to shoving, the former Governor held the aces in the State politically.
Dauda Lawal having realised that it would be difficult to keep Matawalle’s new influence under check as Minister of State for Defence hatched another plan after his first moves to indict him through the cargo Airport controversy.This was to hoodwink a former aides to Matawalle who could provide information on his activities while in government.
This was what led to the unveiling of Bashir Hadejia, who we will dwell on later in the write-up.
The original plan was to paint Bello Matawalle black over his achievements as Governor of Zamfara between 2019 and 2023. This however failed flat as the people of the state knew the legacies he left. And so they were not buying into that. After failing to achieve this, Dauda Lawal Dare thought out other plans.
Our sources believe that the Zamfara Governor connected with the former Jigawa Governor who is presently the Minister of Defence and both of them agreed that it was in their interests to cut Matawalle to size because of his looming influence and good relationship with President Bola Tinubu.
They found a willing tool in Jackson Ude, a former presidential aide to Jonathan. Jackson Ude is a Nigerian journalist who has made a name for himself as a blackmailer. Not less than twenty different top Nigerians, including the DG of World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala have either taken him to court and won or sued him.
Jackson Ude has since become a major ally of Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal. Together, they allegedly decided that the best way to tackle Matawalle growing influence in the Tinubu government was to continue to label him as backing the bandits and terrorists terrorizing the State he once governed.
Bello Matawalle’s rise in status and having become the poster boy of the Tinubu administration’s success in the Defence sector did not make his co-minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar comfortable. What you don’t have, you cannot give.
Many sources in the media confirmed that the two Ministers seemed to be opposites hence it was only a matter of time that their differences became obvious. According to our sources, while Matawalle would come to state what the Ministry was doing and encourage the troops and it’s leadership to do more, Badaru has never been a man who wanted visibility. He has always been too taciturn and withdrawn, as if sulking. So when the story came out that he was not too happy with the Minister of State for taking the shine off him, and aligning with Dauda Lawal to undermine Matawalle, not many people doubted it.
Sources claimed Badaru has grouses, with Tinubu appointing him as Defence Minister and not putting the Chiefs of Staff under him. It was also alleged that he was angry with the president because he wanted the FCT Ministry portfolio, which was given to Nyesom WIKE, a non- partyman. Abubakar Badaru, according to our sources felt he should have been given the portfolio of the FCT Ministry because he dropped his presidential ambition to support Tinubu when the President indicated interest in contesting.
Our source further revealed that Badaru, and Governor Lawal have teamed up to work and ensure that Matawalle is frustrated out of the Tinubu government so as to further dent whatever achievements the Tinubu government can claim to have while also denting Matawalle’s achievements.
Governor Lawal’s romance with terrorists is well known in the State despite all the air of arrogance he surrounds himself with as several pictures of his meetings and discussion abound everywhere on the social media.Impeccable sources gathered that Bello Turji works for the Zamfara Governor and the friends and allies of the bandits leader know this.
Sources confided in us that this is why it has been impossible for Bello Turji to be captured or killed as the State government virtually protects him, leaks information about troops movement if they have them and also support them with logistics. This explains why he makes so much noise and boasts of his invincibility.
Bello Turji’s MEN and other bandit leaders are also said to enjoy the same status as he enjoys.
Our sources also confirmed that Turji and a few other top bandits work for Dauda Lawal by ensuring his firm grip on the mining business in Zamfara.
Through them, the governor is alleged to have controlled a large chunk of the mining fields and also collected royalties on the governor’s behalf.
It is even alleged in some circles that some of the late bandits leaders eliminated by the military in its recent onslaught were bagkeepers for the governor who kept his money especially from the mines hence the reason why he was not too happy with their death and their elimination was not celebrated by the state.
Our sources also linked a powerful former NSA from the state with the gold mining business in the state.
 According to the sources, because of their vested interest, the powerful NSA who retired from the military as a general would do anything to ensure that his mining interests are protected in Zamfara hence the move to support the Governor and ensure that the top bandits who protect their vested interests are not touched. These gang-up believe that any attempt by Matawalle to upset the applecart in the mining sectors of the state will affect their vested interests since it is the bandits who are protecting their interests there and they need the continued presence of the bandits to ward off government prying eyes.
The implications of all these are germane here.
Key stakeholders in Zamfara state who ordinarily should be working for the success of the military are working at cross-purposes with the security apparatus of the state.
They are not ready to allow the security agencies operate. Rather, they work against them. They not only do this, they give out information against the security agencies to bandits and terrorists who through this organise ambushes for the security agencies all ina bid to paint the Minister of State Defence in bad light as well as maintain their strangle hold on the mining sector in the state.
Frightening Dimensions
The recruitment of Bashir Hadejia as well as the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, into this dastardly group constitutes a frightening dimensions to a problem that was hitherto localized. Our sources revealed that Bashir Hadejia was born in Niger Republic and maintains a home there just like the Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru.
 Having worked with Bello Matawalle, he understands the workings of the former Governor’s network as well as what he did to curb the excesses of the bandits while in power.
That Bashir Hadejia, working with Governor Dauda Lawal were able to cladenstinely sponsor anti- Nigerian protests during the August 1-10 protests in Nigeria signify the extent of their hatred for the country and its constitued authority. Though they set out to embarrass the Minister of State for Defence, and by implications the Tinubu government, the move showed the extent the Dauda Lawal gang-up could go in portraying Matawalle in bad light and their cause.
 Having recruited a notorious journalist who does not operate in the country, yet spews outright lies and also thrive on blackmail, no wonder they have dominated the cyber space with unverifiable stories upon stories against the Minister of State, Bello Matawalle.
Joseph Akinola, a political analyst based in Abuja

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Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration

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Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration

…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance

 

LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.

Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.

“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.

The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.

The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.

The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.

The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.

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ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

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ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

 

– Another Prophecy Fulfillment by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Following the Passing of Ron Kenoly Ahead of February Open Prophetic Revival

 

– Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Records Another Prophecy Fulfillment as February Open Prophetic Revival Is Announced

 

In the released prophecies for 2026, renowned Nigerian cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, shared a series of revelations touching on Nigeria’s economy, global events, political transitions, natural disasters, religious transformations, and the future of world leaders.

 

 

During a special prophetic session, the prophet stated that he foresaw the departure of two world-renowned musicians in 2026 and urged the Nigerian people and the global community to pray for them.

 

ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

 

He urged Nigerians and everyone around the globe to pray for the musicians, among other prophecies, and already gave insight concerning them.

 

On February 3, 2026, American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader Ron Kenoly passed away at the age of 81. Widely known as the “Professor of Praise,” Kenoly was celebrated for anthems such as “Majesty” and “Lift Him Up,” which have significantly influenced modern congregational worship around the world.

 

 

He was recognized as a pioneer of the contemporary praise and worship movement, leading Scripture-based worship services that became widely adopted in churches across different nations and cultures.

 

The development has been described by followers of Prophet Kingsley Aitafo as a confirmation of the prophecy earlier declared in the year.

 

Meanwhile, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, leader and shepherd in charge of Oneness in Christ, in conjunction with CCC Living Grace Tabernacle, invites everyone to its February Open Revival. It is a prophetic service determined to change lives through miracles, healings, signs, and wonders.

 

 

It is not an ordinary service; it is another time for a divine encounter where your faith is strengthened, prayers are answered, and breakthroughs and favour are about to rain. With its theme — Jesus Christ is the same forever — the revival is promised to release the power of Jesus Christ like never before. It is a period of shift and divine encounter.

 

This revival service is said to hold on the 25th of February, 2026, from 5pm – 8pm at 20, Showole Street, Ewupe, Singer Sango, Ogun State.

 

It is a season where God is ready to reveal Himself like never before. Members of the public are invited to attend.

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GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA

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GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA

 

The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has commended the Zamfara State Government for its decisive contribution to security operations through the donation of newly acquired armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and other critical operational equipment to troops and security agencies in the state.

 

This commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the GCGMSI, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.

 

The equipment was formally commissioned on Wednesday, February 18, by the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR (rtd.), in a ceremony at the Government House, Gusau. The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, and top officials of the Zamfara State Government.

 

The GCGMSI, in its statement, hailed the donation as a “transformative and timely intervention” that aligns perfectly with its core objective of advocating for and supporting tangible measures that enhance the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s security forces. The Initiative praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for moving beyond rhetoric to actionable, material support, describing the move as a “blueprint for state-level collaboration in national security.”

 

“The provision of these assets by the Zamfara State Government is a testament to visionary leadership and a profound commitment to the peace and stability of its people,” the GCGMSI statement read. “It represents the exact kind of synergistic partnership between state and federal authorities that the GCGMSI champions. This initiative will significantly close operational gaps, boost the confidence of our gallant troops, and send a strong message to criminal elements.”

 

Speaking at the commissioning, General Musa emphasized that sustained collaboration is indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges. He specifically commended Governor Lawal for his proactive support.

 

“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering dedication to the security of Zamfara State,” the Defence Minister stated. “The provision of these armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment will undoubtedly boost the morale and operational effectiveness of our troops and other security agencies on the ground. This is a commendable effort that should be emulated by others.”

 

The newly commissioned assets, which include multiple APCs and advanced surveillance drones, are expected to dramatically enhance the mobility, protection, intelligence-gathering, and rapid response capabilities of security forces, particularly in the state’s remote and difficult terrains where anti-banditry operations are ongoing.

 

In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner in the security architecture. He urged security agencies to deploy the new resources responsibly and effectively to safeguard lives and property.

 

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and deepening such partnerships with state governments across the nation to strengthen coordination and resource allocation in the collective fight against insecurity.

 

The GCGMSI concluded its statement by urging other state governments to take a cue from Zamfara’s “bold and pragmatic” approach, affirming that such concrete support is vital for achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria.

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