Connect with us

Published

on

Banditry Allegations: I’ve Reported Defence Minister To NSA, Tinubu – Zamfara gov—-Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has alleged that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is involved in the banditry plaguing the state.

Governor Lawal revealed that both President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, are aware of Matawalle’s alleged ties to bandit groups operating in Zamfara.

Lawal’s accusation follows a recent interview where Matawalle, the former governor of Zamfara, strongly denied any connection to bandits.

Speaking on Channels Television, Matawalle challenged both Governor Lawal and retired General Ali Gusau to swear by the Holy Quran that they have no involvement in the banditry affecting Zamfara and the North-West region.

Matawalle defended his decision to engage in dialogue with bandits during his time as governor, stating that other governors from states like Niger, Sokoto, and Katsina had also entered similar negotiations to curb the violence.

He argued that it was baseless to accuse him of sponsoring bandits simply because of his efforts to mediate peace through dialogue.

However, Governor Lawal’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaiman Idris, countered Matawalle’s claims, asserting that the governor had already presented evidence of Matawalle’s alleged involvement to the NSA and President.

Idris promised that the evidence would soon be made public, dismissing Matawalle’s defense as lies. He further added that Governor Lawal, who is currently abroad, had sworn by the Quran that anyone involved in sponsoring banditry should face divine punishment.

Idris said, “He has done that (swore by Qu’ran). There was a clip of him during an event, when he was lamenting over an incident that happened. That time, he swore that he didn’t have anything to do with banditry and he prayed that anyone who had a hand in the banditry in the state, God should punish the person.

“He (Matawalle) is lying. We mentioned names. He should come out and clear his name. He needs to explain his relationship with them.

“These two people, they were the ones that he gave Hilux and money and foodstuffs to share with bandits. So, this is not an allegation, we have facts and the NSA is aware of that.

“When the governor met with the President, he explained all these things to him as well. He has also explained to the NSA that this is the situation and these are the facts that we have, but now since he’s asking for facts, I assure you that we are going to bring the facts out.

“He wants a media trial; he’s calling for it. So, we’ll do that because we know we have all the evidence.”

A phone and Whatsapp calls to the Office of the National Security Adviser’s spokesperson, Zakari Mijinyawa, were not answered.

He had yet to respond to the message sent to him to inquire if the NSA had initiated an investigation into the allegations against the minister.

The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, when contacted, said the police were not the lead agency in the operation against banditry in the state.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, could not also be reached as of the time of filing this report.

When contacted, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba said, “Direct your question to the minister’s office, please.”

0Shares
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Sports

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Published

on

Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant—-Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election—an early move that is already stirring quiet conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement did not come in the open. Instead, it followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat reportedly informed key stakeholders of his intention to run. Present at the gathering were members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Among those in attendance were former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former senator Ganiyu Solomon—names that signal the weight of the political bloc involved in the discussions.

Speaking afterwards, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as “unanimous,” framing it as a consensus among party stakeholders. But the speed and timing of the endorsement—well ahead of party primaries—have raised eyebrows about how firmly the succession plan may already be taking shape behind the scenes.

“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention,” the governor said, adding that those present agreed he is “fit and well-prepared” for the role.

Sanwo-Olu leaned heavily on Hamzat’s track record and their long-standing working relationship, portraying him as a loyal and capable hand ready to take over. He went further, suggesting that Hamzat has effectively been groomed for the position from the outset.

“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” he said.

In a remark that may further fuel speculation, the governor also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, hinting that the current development could be part of a longer-term political vision.

Observers note that describing the gathering as a “family meeting” may reflect the tightly knit nature of decision-making within the state’s political structure—where major alignments are often settled before they reach the public stage.

While Hamzat has long been regarded as a key player in Lagos politics, the early endorsement positions him more clearly at the centre of succession discussions, even before a formal campaign has begun.

With more than a year to go before party primaries, the move is already reshaping conversations within the APC, where control of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre—remains one of the most strategic political prizes.

Whether this early alignment holds or faces internal pushback in the months ahead is a question many party watchers are now quietly asking

0Shares
Continue Reading

News

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option

Published

on

Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option—-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, but may conduct primaries if internal talks fail.

Speaking on a prime-time programme on Arise TV, Atiku explained that party leaders are working to avoid internal disputes by rallying around a single candidate through dialogue and agreement.

He expressed confidence that stakeholders would reach a common ground, noting that experienced politicians within the party understand the importance of unity.

According to him, the ADC is focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, with members committed to managing differences without causing division.

Atiku also reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the selection method.

He further stated that he is open to stepping aside for any aspirant, including Peter Obi, if they emerge as the preferred choice, emphasizing that unity within the party remains the top priority ahead of the 2027 elections.

0Shares
Continue Reading

Trending

0Shares