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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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TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

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TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

 

 

 

 

In a powerful demonstration of humanitarian commitment, TM Foundation has embarked on a large-scale food distribution drive across Nigeria, alongside a crucial welfare initiative targeting young girls and students in Ogun State.

 

 

TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

 

This transformative outreach took place at Igbore High School, Ilugun High School, Unity High School, and Salai Abiola Comprehensive High School from March 5th to 9th, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The initiative brought much-needed relief to hundreds of individuals facing economic hardship, reinforcing TM Foundation’s mission of compassion and community support.

 

 

 

Fighting Hunger: A Lifeline for Communities

 

TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

 

With Nigeria grappling with rising food insecurity, TM Foundation’s intervention comes at a critical time. The foundation is distributing essential food items to underprivileged families, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive vital nourishment. This initiative aims to alleviate hunger, bringing hope and sustenance to struggling households across the region.

 

 

Empowering Young Girls: Sanitary Pad Distribution

 

TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

 

Recognizing the urgent need to address menstrual hygiene challenges, TM Foundation has also launched a large-scale sanitary pad distribution campaign. Many young girls face difficulties accessing menstrual hygiene products, which can negatively impact their health, confidence, and education. By tackling period poverty, the foundation is fostering an environment where girls can focus on their studies without unnecessary obstacles.

 

 

Education for a Brighter Future: School Bag Donations

 

Furthering its commitment to empowering the next generation, TM Foundation has distributed school bags across four schools in Abeokuta. These essential supplies will provide students with the necessary resources to carry their educational materials, reinforcing the foundation’s dedication to fostering academic success and a brighter future for Nigerian youth.

 

 

A Call for Support and Solidarity

 

TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

 

As TM Foundation continues its impactful initiatives, it calls on individuals, organizations, and stakeholders to support this noble cause. The foundation’s unwavering dedication to humanitarian service is transforming lives, and this latest drive stands as a testament to its mission of spreading hope and relief.

 

 

 

According to the Founder and CEO, Olatunde Mukaila Lawal, “TM Foundation is committed to bringing relief and support to communities in Nigeria. Through food distribution, sanitary pad donations, and educational support, we aim to make a lasting difference.”

 

 

 

Stay tuned as TM Foundation continues to change lives—one meal, one school bag, and one act of kindness at a time.

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Soludo you’re wrong,PMF president Bishop Anthony explodes

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The president of Pentecostal Ministers Forum of Nigeria,PMF, bishop Chidi Anthony has criticised the governor of Anambra state, Charles Soludo for placing a ban on market evangelism and preaching on the streets Anambra

Bishop Anthony was enraged and infuriated by Soludo’s daring and audacious move against men of God and preachers of the gospel in Anambra state “as the president of Pentecostal Ministers Forum of Nigeria, there’s no better time to speak than now, we were commanded to go into the world and preach the gospel without limitations, it’s a pity that Soludo has decided to fight the Almighty God that gave him breath,he must have read or heard of the story ofNebuchadnezzar who refused to acknowledge the supremacy of God,if Solodu truly acknowledges God as the creator of the entire universe and his own creator,who can take life out of someone at any time he wishes,he would not have made such obnoxious law against the people of God:Soludo is indirectly in contest with God without knowing”

He advised him to abolish the law with immediate effect because it’s capable of ruining and devastating everything he has ever achieved “governor Soludo God is a patient and a merciful, you need to stop that law from taking effect so that the wrath of God will not be kindled against you, don’t be an enemy of God because it will lead you to unforgettable and everlasting regret ”

Finally, he recapitulated that nobody can stop the gospel of Jesus Christ because those that tried to stop it never ended well “my dear governor,you need to retrace your steps and stop fighting the gospel, look at those that built titanic,they believed it was indestructible and nothing could ever happen to it until it wrecked, the supremacy of God can’t be questioned and no mortal can face his wrath,as the president of PMF, I’m appealing to you,to abolish that law because one day your tenure will be over and you will become an ordinary man, we were happy when you became the governor because we believed that you’re a good Christian, please retrace your steps “.

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The Exit of Olajide Adediran (Jandor) from PDP: A Lesson in Loyalty and Party Discipline

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JANDOR condemns reported attacks on traders who shut market to get their PVCs

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has witnessed various political dramas, but the recent departure of Olajide Adediran (Jandor) marks a significant turning point in the party’s history. His exit is not just the removal of an individual but the cleansing of what many see as arrogance, betrayal, and disregard for party structures.

 

Jandor’s Rise and Betrayal

 

Jandor was given a golden opportunity when PDP handed him the governorship ticket on a platter. Instead of using this privilege to unite the party and build a strong opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he allegedly sought to hijack the party for his personal ambitions. This led to internal strife, division, and a lack of cohesion within the PDP structure.

 

His approach to politics was marked by arrogance, as he disregarded long-standing party members and imposed his will on the selection of candidates for the State House of Assembly and the Federal House of Representatives. By handpicking individuals with little or no political experience—some not even PDP members—as running mates and candidates, he alienated the core loyalists of the party.

 

Electoral Failure and Party Damage

 

The 2023 gubernatorial election in Lagos was a disaster for Jandor. Scoring a mere 62,000 votes, he led PDP to its worst performance in the history of the state. His inability to even win his own ward was an embarrassment, further proving that he lacked grassroots support.

 

Beyond his failure at the polls, he was accused of mismanaging campaign funds, failing to pay party agents, and allegedly working against the party’s success. Such actions not only weakened PDP’s chances in the election but also created disillusionment among members who had committed their efforts and resources to the campaign.

 

A Culture of Disrespect and Manipulation

 

One of the most damaging aspects of Jandor’s tenure in PDP was his alleged habit of funding individuals to disrespect the party leadership. Reports suggest that he paid certain members a mere ₦5,000 per month to attack loyal party members and spread discord. This reckless approach to leadership further eroded trust within the party.

 

His behavior mirrored the arrogance often associated with the APC, the party he originally came from. However, PDP has always been known for internal democracy and party discipline, and his attempt to introduce a dictatorship-style leadership was met with resistance.

 

I Prince Amb (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, was cautious in my dealings with Jandor. Despite knowing his reputation and hearing numerous complaints about his character, I had no option but to brand my vehicles and distribute election materials in my personal capacity for him in my area as a candidate of our great party.

 

Jandor was the worst candidate in the history of our party. When he was scheduled to visit my local government, loyal party members had to contribute their hard-earned money to rent chairs, canopies, T-shirts, and drinks. He gave nothing back to those who worked tirelessly for the success of the party. Then to leave the party with their agent money

 

During my own aspiration, Jandor made it clear that he won’t allow me to have the ticket because I am from Abule Egba Lagos Egba indegen of Lagos but he wants the ticket to be given to an Awori man He used this excuse to manipulate my election in collaboration with the now-suspended Segun Sunday Adewale (Aeroland). But today, I remain a loyal PDP member, while both of them are nowhere to be found.

 

The Way Forward for PDP in Lagos

 

With Jandor’s departure, PDP now has a chance to rebuild and refocus. The party must learn from this experience and ensure that its future candidates are loyal, competent, and genuinely committed to its growth. Internal democracy should be strengthened, and mechanisms should be put in place to prevent another hijack attempt by individuals with self-serving interests.

 

While politics is a game of numbers, it is also a game of trust. PDP in Lagos must prioritize loyalty, transparency, and strategic planning. Those who betrayed the party must be completely distanced, while innocent members who were misled should be welcomed back.

 

The goal remains clear—building a strong and united PDP that can effectively challenge the APC in future elections. The lessons from Jandor’s time in the party should serve as a warning: PDP will no longer tolerate betrayal, disloyalty, or political arrogance.

 

Goodbye, Jandor. The PDP moves forward without you.

 

Congratulations to the people of the people’s democratic party!PDP) Lagos

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