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Tambuwal May Pick PDP’S Presidential Ticket

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Ahead of the 2019 elections, some powerful forces in the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are making overtures to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, with a view to handing him the party’s presidential ticket.

“Tambuwal is currently in the All Progressives Congress (APC) but he is being wooed by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and some other PDP governors to return to the party he dumped ahead of the 2015 elections,” a report this morning in The Nation said.

Also pushing for the Sokoto governor’s candidature is a prominent traditional ruler in the North, the paper said, quoting unnamed party sources.

It added: “Wike, fresh from installing Prince Uche Secondus as party chairman despite vehement opposition from the likes of former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is said to have drawn the ire of Jonathan and many of his supporters for promoting Tambuwal’s presidential ambition in PDP.

“Party sources said the anti-Tambuwal elements are uncomfortable with him in view of the role he played in the loss of power by the PDP in 2015, especially the defeat of Jonathan.

The Jonathan associates and some PDP governors have vowed to stop Tambuwal’s bid to secure the PDP presidential ticket.

“Tambuwal was Speaker of the House of Representatives under Jonathan and his defection from the PDP to the then newly formed APC laid the foundation for the defeat of the PDP in the 2015 polls.

“Party sources also said he might return to the party on the basis of an alleged unwritten agreement between him and Wike.

“He is the only APC governor that has not yet identified with the 2019 re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

The Nation quoting a source conversant with the ongoing intrigues as saying: “Jonathan’s associates and some PDP governors are not comfortable with Tambuwal for betraying the party to pave the way for the victory of APC and President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015

“They believe that, as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, he  was used by the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN ) to destabilise the PDP, giving the ACN control of the House from  2011 to 2015

“They accused Tambuwal of working for ACN and later joining APC to fight Jonathan. Jonathan’s kinsmen and his associates have not forgotten the role he played in bringing down their man. To that extent, the ex-president’s camp sees Tambuwal as a hard sell in the South-South, particularly in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

“Some PDP governors and leaders believe he will also be difficult to sell in the South-West because of the role he played in the defeat of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila in the Speakership race in 2015. Whereas the South-West supported him to become the Speaker by defeating Hon. Mulikat Adeola from Oyo State in 2015, he was implicated in working against Gbajabiamila, who was the zone’s choice for Speaker in 2015.

“Some PDP governors also believe that Tambuwal will be no match for Buhari in the north since his major political platform belongs to ex-Governor Aliyu Wammako who APC and strategists of Buhari are lobbying to remain in the ruling party.

“Wammakko, politically known as ‘Alu’, may prefer to return to the Senate on the ticket of APC as long as he can be allowed to single-handedly pick a successor to Tambuwal to consolidate his political base.”

But a PDP source reportedly said: “With Wike’s backing, Tambuwal may get the ticket. I think those making a strong case for Tambuwal have gone far on this project to be underrated.

“If Jonathan and his associates can be cut to size during the National Convention of PDP, Wike and others can have their way on Tambuwal.

“The aftermath in PDP might affect the chances of the party in 2019 because those in favour of the former Interim National Chairman of the party, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, as the preferred candidate for the party’s presidential mandate may cause an upset. Adopting Tambuwal will amount to abandoning the agreement with Makarfi by PDP governors to make him the party’s presidential candidate.

“I think a member of the Interim Caretaker Committee saw this coming when he advised Makarfi to seek a firm commitment from Wike and others. Makarfi preferred to have trust in these governors.

“Whatever it is, it is just a matter of when Tambuwal, who pulled the strings behind the scene during PDP convention, will move to PDP.

“Realising the danger of APC plot against him, Tambuwal has gone on the fast lane by winning prominent Emirs to his side and reconciling with the likes of ex-Governor Attahiru Bafarawa. This was what accounted for the enlargement of his cabinet to 25 on February 5. He also pulled the rug from under Wammako’s feet by appointing his younger brother, Ahmed Barade Wamakko, as Commissioner for Social Welfare.

“Also, the anti-Tambuwal elements in PDP and APC are not relenting. For instance, the alleged hounding of Prince Kassim Afegbua, who is the spokesman of Babangida, by security agencies might have been more about his role as a political strategist of Tambuwal than the ex-Military President.”

However, some PDP governors are considering Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, according to The Nation.

It quoted a third source as saying: “These governors say Dankwambo is young, well educated, urbane, cosmopolitan with less baggage. He was in Asaba last week when the governors met with the Secondus-led executives. He is also very close to Governor Ayo Fayose

“Their worry is whether or not he has the stature to defeat Buhari.”

Another PDP source added: “Dankwambo is too close to Governor Nasir el-Rufai for comfort. We are suspecting that APC is propping him up as a weak candidate to make it an easy ride for Buhari. We know their game plan.”

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GRPolitics

Unmasking the Campaign of Calumny against Dr Bello Matawalle

Writer: Habib Usman, writes from Abuja

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Bello Matawalle

Recent protests and allegations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, have stirred controversy.

Organized demonstrations outside the Department of State Security (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, filled with hired crowds by APC AKIDA sponsored by Tijjani Ramallan and the Zamfara state government with unsubstantiated accusations, reveal a calculated attempt by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to discredit Dr. Matawalle.

This orchestrated campaign, fueled by political motives and a desire to undermine Matawalle’s position, demands closer scrutiny.

Reports indicate that these so-called protests are not spontaneous outcries from Zamfara’s citizens but rather an agenda-driven spectacle designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.

According to sources, the protestors arrived in approximately 12 long buses, clearly organized and funded to create an image of discontent aimed at the minister.

The protestors, reportedly waving placards accusing Matawalle of colluding with criminals, are part of a broader strategy to mislead the public and manipulate the narrative around Zamfara’s complex security situation.

This orchestrated misinformation aligns with the ongoing media offensive spearheaded by Governor Lawal who has now recruited Tijjani Ramallan and his cohorts. Despite lacking concrete evidence, the governor has been on a persistent media campaign, linking Matawalle with criminal elements and falsely alleging his complicity in the state’s banditry crisis.

However, these accusations have repeatedly failed to withstand scrutiny, as underscored by a recent ruling from the Kano High Court.

The court issued an interim injunction barring Governor Lawal and his associates from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle, stating that any further defamatory actions would be illegal until a substantive hearing on the matter.

The court order highlights the groundlessness of the governor’s claims and serves as a reminder that accusations against public officials must be substantiated by evidence, not driven by political vendettas.

By pursuing a smear campaign against a fellow public servant, Governor Lawal risks destabilizing not only his state but also the critical national security efforts in which Matawalle is involved.

Such actions could divert attention and resources from urgent security issues, ultimately harming the very citizens the governor purports to defend.

The governor’s tactic of repeatedly visiting media houses to disseminate misleading information about Dr. Matawalle has sparked concern among political observers and security experts alike.

His attempts to block Matawalle’s reappointment appear to be rooted more in political rivalry than in any genuine concerns about Zamfara’s security. It’s no coincidence that this intensified campaign began just as discussions about a potential cabinet reshuffle surfaced.

Dr. Matawalle’s growing influence, coupled with his steadfast loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has evidently made him a target for those who feel threatened by his rise.

For Nigerians, it is crucial to separate truth from politically motivated propaganda. The allegations against Dr. Matawalle are part of a coordinated campaign to undermine a dedicated public servant who has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s defence apparatus.

As the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle plays an essential role in shaping security policy, a responsibility he takes seriously and executes with distinction.

The public is advised to view the recent protests and media blitz with caution. It is imperative to consider the context: Governor Lawal’s relentless pursuit to discredit Matawalle, despite the court’s injunction against these defamatory efforts. Rather than yield to such divisive tactics, Nigerians should remain vigilant, prioritizing the integrity of national discourse over political maneuvering.

In conclusion, let us reject efforts to smear individuals serving in crucial roles, particularly when these efforts lack factual foundation and threaten to undermine national security. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, deserves due process and an unbiased evaluation, free from political interference.nmasking the Campaign of Calumny Against Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle

Recent protests and allegations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, have stirred controversy. Organized demonstrations outside the Department of State Security (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, filled with hired crowds and unsubstantiated accusations, reveal a calculated attempt by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to discredit Dr. Matawalle. This orchestrated campaign, fueled by political motives and a desire to undermine Matawalle’s position, demands closer scrutiny.

Reports indicate that these so-called protests are not spontaneous outcries from Zamfara’s citizens but rather an agenda-driven spectacle designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation. According to sources, the protestors arrived in approximately 12 long buses, clearly organized and funded to create an image of discontent aimed at the minister. The protestors, reportedly waving placards accusing Matawalle of colluding with criminals, are part of a broader strategy to mislead the public and manipulate the narrative around Zamfara’s complex security situation.

This orchestrated misinformation aligns with the ongoing media offensive spearheaded by Governor Lawal.

Despite lacking concrete evidence, the governor has been on a persistent media campaign, linking Matawalle with criminal elements and falsely alleging his complicity in the state’s banditry crisis.

However, these accusations have repeatedly failed to withstand scrutiny, as underscored by a recent ruling from the Kano High Court.

The court issued an interim injunction barring Governor Lawal and his associates from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle, stating that any further defamatory actions would be illegal until a substantive hearing on the matter.

The court order highlights the groundlessness of the governor’s claims and serves as a reminder that accusations against public officials must be substantiated by evidence, not driven by political vendettas.

By pursuing a smear campaign against a fellow public servant, Governor Lawal risks destabilizing not only his state but also the critical national security efforts in which Matawalle is involved.

Such actions could divert attention and resources from urgent security issues, ultimately harming the very citizens the governor purports to defend.

The governor’s tactic of repeatedly visiting media houses to disseminate misleading information about Dr. Matawalle has sparked concern among political observers and security experts alike.

His attempts to block Matawalle’s reappointment appear to be rooted more in political rivalry than in any genuine concerns about Zamfara’s security. It’s no coincidence that this intensified campaign began just as discussions about a potential cabinet reshuffle surfaced.

Dr. Matawalle’s growing influence, coupled with his steadfast loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has evidently made him a target for those who feel threatened by his rise.

For Nigerians, it is crucial to separate truth from politically motivated propaganda. The allegations against Dr. Matawalle are part of a coordinated campaign to undermine a dedicated public servant who has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s defence apparatus.

As the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle plays an essential role in shaping security policy, a responsibility he takes seriously and executes with distinction.

The public is advised to view the recent protests and media blitz with caution. It is imperative to consider the context: Governor Lawal’s relentless pursuit to discredit Matawalle, despite the court’s injunction against these defamatory efforts. Rather than yield to such divisive tactics, Nigerians should remain vigilant, prioritizing the integrity of national discourse over political maneuvering.

In conclusion, let us reject efforts to smear individuals serving in crucial roles, particularly when these efforts lack factual foundation and threaten to undermine national security. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, deserves due process and an unbiased evaluation, free from political interference.

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Jigawa APC Warns Against Attacks on State Leaders

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APC

The All Progressive Congress APC Jigawa state chapter has warned those launching attacks against the state leaders to desist from such.

A statement by Hon Aminu Sani Gumel, Chairman, All Progressive Congress, Jigawa State, reads:

“The party has been meticulously monitoring some write-up on social media and main stream media   of  the calculated  attempt by some unscrupulous element to create disturbances and sow seed of disharmony in our great party.

“These elements who are not even card carrying members of our party are using some few narrow-minded party members in promoting their sinister agenda against party peace and stability.

“The led APC Jigawa state government under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi is a reflection and continuation of the immediate past state government led by H.E Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar CON mni.

“The two Leaders have the party confidence and regards to the higher esteem, their reputation is sacrosanct to us and must be guarded jealously.

“The Jigawa APC will never allow  any misguided element to create  discomfort or a scenario that may deter or interrupt the led APC Government from delivering it’s campaign promises in Jigawa state and Nigeria in general.

“One of the such flabbergasted sponsored report against our leader the Hon minister of Defence Muhammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni will be verified and an appropriate sanction will be applied.

“The faceless group that is not in any record of the APC headquarters Jigawa state had in their campaign of calumny labeled  so many false allegations  against the minister including anti-party.

“It is imperative to ask that where was this group when The Minister was APC  Northern Region  Campaign Coordinator, and successfully delivered Jigawa state and  the Northern  region to president Bola Ahmed Tinibu GCFR during the 2023 general election.

“Other childish and silly accusations against the Minister by the unknown group does not even worth to be mentioned.

“However for the record and public clarification , Jigawa APC will use all necessary avenue within the ambit of law to fish out the group and the  sponsor for appropriate political and legal action that will be a deterrent to others with mischief intentions”.

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GRPolitics

Zamfara: PDP members Praise Metawalle, Protest Against Gov. Lawal

…as Federal Lawmaker dumps PDP for APC, reports SANDRA ANI

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Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle
Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, Zamfara State, took to the streets on Monday to protest what they described as poor governance under Governor Dauda Lawal.

Staging a strong protest against Governor Dauda Lawal, the protesters said that the tenure of the former governor of the State, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle is far better than the present one in terms of economic opportunities, job creation, and security.

The demonstrators accused the governor of neglecting citizens’ welfare, worsening hunger, and imposing candidates in local elections against the will of the people.

During the protest, participants expressed longing for the tenure of former Governor Bello Matawalle, whom they described as more responsive to the people’s needs.

“We miss former Governor Matawalle,” Ibrahim remarked, as fellow demonstrators echoed their agreement. “At least he cared for the people. We’re calling on him to run in the next election, and we will vote for him.”

Led by PDP local leader Muhammad Ibrahim Talatar Marafa, the protesters assembled at the local government headquarters, voicing their displeasure with the administration.

They criticized the governor for allegedly prioritizing personal luxury over the well-being of residents.

“We are tired of Governor Dauda’s policies,” Ibrahim said. “The people are suffering; hunger is rampant and has worsened. Meanwhile, the governor lives a lavish lifestyle, ignoring the plight of the ordinary citizen.”

The protesters also accused the governor of interfering in the party’s internal processes by imposing candidates in the recent local elections, a move they argued undermined democratic values.

“This is not democracy,” Ibrahim stated. “The people’s choice was disregarded. It feels as though Dauda is only interested in furthering his personal agenda, not addressing the needs of Zamfara.”

In addition to electoral concerns, the protesters raised alarms over rising insecurity, saying that the region remains increasingly exposed to bandit attacks. They also lamented the soaring cost of food and the general economic hardship residents are facing.

“The hunger situation here has gotten worse, and there seems to be no solution in sight,” one protester said. “People here are hungry.”

All these happening in the State must have necessitated the Federal lawmaker from Zamfara state, Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gummi to leave PDP to Join APC.
Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gummi, a Federal House of Representatives member for Gummi/Bukkuyum Constituency, has dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The activities of Governor Lawal will spell doom for PDP in the State as the Party will soon be hit with more defection.

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