Author Archives: News All Around

By Adam Luka

Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has withdrawn earlier allegations made against former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defense, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, admitting that the group acted on misleading information fed by political opponents.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday, CNF Chairman Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed said he had since realized that the claims were part of a targeted smear campaign designed to damage Matawalle’s reputation.

“I wish to unequivocally state that I was misled by the information presented to me, and the content of the press text was blown out of proportion,” Mohammed said. “It was a political witch hunt, deliberately orchestrated and propagated by the opposition who are envious of the Minister’s achievements.”

Previously, Mohammed had called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Matawalle for alleged financial mismanagement during his time as governor. He has now backtracked, denouncing the call as politically motivated and baseless.

Highlighting Matawalle’s achievements, Mohammed cited significant developments in infrastructure, health, education, and security. These included the commencement of a new airport project, road construction, and major upgrades to the state’s water supply.

He also noted the procurement of over 200 Hilux vehicles and ambulances, solar-powered streetlights for the state capital, and healthcare investments including the construction of primary health centres across all 147 wards in Zamfara.

In education, the former governor was credited with settling examination fees for NECO and WAEC, as well as investing in technology infrastructure such as the Digital World ICT Center and a Command and Control Room in Gusau.

Mohammed further stated that Matawalle’s administration renovated the State House of Assembly, built a governor’s lodge in Kaduna, invested in liaison offices including one in Abuja, and purchased Best Premier Hotel in Abuja as a state-owned asset.

He alleged that over two billion naira had been released by the current Zamfara State Government to finance a misinformation campaign against the Minister.

“We call on the general public to disregard such toxic news and any future press conferences sponsored to malign the Minister,” he said. “Matawalle to the best of our knowledge did well as Governor and is presently doing extremely well in the security sector towards actualizing the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu.”

Mohammed concluded by urging Nigerians to support the federal government’s efforts: “We deeply acknowledge and commend the efforts of this administration in restructuring and ultimately building a new Nigeria.”

ENDS

By Mercy Dambai

A youth advocacy group, Zamfara Youth for Progress (ZYP), has raised alarm over an alleged plan to stage a politically motivated press conference aimed at discrediting the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The group described the move as a dangerous distraction from the fight against insecurity in the North.

In a press statement issued on Monday in Gusau, signed by its chairman, Tijjani Musa Tsafe, the group alleged that the planned press briefing is being orchestrated with the support of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and warned that the action could destabilize recent gains in security across the region.

“We hereby issue this statement as a clarion call to the youth and citizens of Zamfara, urging them to reject any attempts to destabilize the ongoing fight against insecurity in our region,” the statement read.

The youth group noted that, in recent months, the Northern region has experienced a significant reduction in banditry and violent crimes—a development it credited to the strategic leadership of Minister Matawalle.

Tsafe said the minister’s approach has led to the neutralization of several bandit leaders and the recovery of previously terrorized communities. “It is imperative that we recognize and celebrate these achievements rather than allow ourselves to be drawn into divisive politics that serve only the interests of a few,” he added.

ZYP condemned the alleged planned press conference as “ill-timed and counterproductive,” saying it was being driven by groups with no legitimate claim to represent the youths or people of Zamfara State. “They are hungry for attention and recognition, but their actions threaten to derail the progress we have made in combating insecurity,” the group stated.

The statement further urged all well-meaning citizens to resist attempts to politicize security issues at a time when stability is gradually being restored. “The people of Zamfara deserve leaders who prioritize the welfare of their constituents above personal ambitions,” Tsafe said.

He urged the alleged sponsors of the smear campaign to desist, adding that Minister Matawalle deserves support, not sabotage. “It is crucial for us to allow Minister Matawalle and the federal government to concentrate on their mission of enhancing national security without undue distractions. The stakes are too high, and the consequences of such distractions could be dire for our communities.”

The group described Matawalle as a “beacon of hope” for Northern Nigeria, citing the tangible results of his leadership in the ongoing anti-banditry campaign. “The reduction in banditry and violence is not merely a statistic; it is a testament to the lives saved and the families reunited,” the statement added.

The group concluded by calling on Zamfara residents and Northern citizens at large to unite in support of leaders making real progress in security and governance.

“We must focus our energies on supporting those who are genuinely working to improve our lives rather than engaging in futile political squabbles,” Tsafe said. “Let us stand together in solidarity, championing the cause of peace and security for Zamfara and the North as a whole.”

By Christina Ocholi

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has accused the Zamfara State Government of sponsoring a well-funded smear campaign aimed at discrediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

In a press statement signed by the forum’s Chairman, Comrade Danjuma Paul, the group alleged that a staggering sum of about two billion naira has been released to various groups tasked with organizing press conferences and disseminating negative narratives targeted at both the President and the Defence Minister.

The NSCF, a group known for its advocacy for peace and unity in Nigeria, said the alleged campaign is designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation and call into question President Tinubu’s judgment in appointing him into the federal cabinet.

“These are orchestrated attacks with the sole aim of undermining a key figure in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity,” the statement read. “Matawalle’s track record in public service is well documented. These recent attempts to damage his image are politically motivated and based on no verifiable facts.”

The group said the alleged plot includes plans to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reopen investigations into Matawalle’s tenure as governor of Zamfara State. It emphasized that these calls lack credible justification and appear to be driven by political vendettas.

“Matawalle has always been committed to the fight against insecurity, especially during his time as Governor of Zamfara,” Comrade Paul stated. “Now, as Defence Minister, he remains focused on national service. These baseless attacks only serve to distract from that mission.”

According to the NSCF, opposition to Matawalle’s appointment stems from local political rivalries within Zamfara. The group accused certain elites of feeling threatened by the minister’s rising national profile and seeking to diminish his influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The timing of these smear campaigns is telling,” the forum noted. “As political interests clash ahead of 2027, some factions are trying to control the narrative by launching coordinated attacks against their perceived opponents.”

The group condemned what it described as the deliberate spread of misinformation, warning that such actions have far-reaching implications beyond personal reputations.

“At a time when Nigeria is battling severe security threats, engaging in divisive and false campaigns is both reckless and dangerous,” the forum said. “Such rhetoric not only targets individuals but undermines national unity and the fight against insecurity.”

The forum stressed that sabotaging efforts at the federal level—especially in the Defence Ministry—could worsen the already dire security situation in Zamfara and other northern states grappling with armed banditry and insurgency.

Comrade Paul called on security agencies, including the police and other intelligence institutions, to investigate those allegedly behind the smear efforts.

“Political blackmail must not be tolerated,” he said. “Those behind these defamatory activities must be exposed and held accountable. Disinformation is a form of political violence, and it must be treated as such.”

Zamfara State has long been one of the epicenters of insecurity in Nigeria, with ongoing conflicts between criminal groups and security forces. The forum said Matawalle’s appointment was widely regarded as a strategic move by President Tinubu to bring in someone with field experience to help coordinate better responses to the crisis.

Despite ongoing political tension, the forum noted that Matawalle has remained focused and undistracted by attacks on his character.

In an earlier statement, the Defence Minister described the campaigns against him as baseless and politically motivated. He reaffirmed his commitment to securing Nigeria and working collaboratively with state governments and local communities.

“My focus remains the safety and protection of all Nigerians,” Matawalle said. “These attempts to derail our national efforts will not succeed.”

The NSCF concluded its statement with a call for unity, urging political actors across the country to set aside self-interest and prioritize the nation’s stability and security.

“The road to lasting peace is paved with collective responsibility,” the forum said. “We must come together—regardless of political affiliation—to face the real enemies of our nation: insecurity, division, and misinformation.”

ENDS

The Kaduna Youths for Peace and Development (KYPD) group has denied reports of the arrest of Nura Usman, a self acclaimed youth activist and advocate for good governance, by the Kaduna government.

According to the group ,Usman was invited by the police to explain a malicious Facebook post, but he evaded arrest and switched off his phone to create a false narrative.

Sahara Reporters claimed Usman was abducted and tortured by security operatives over his Facebook posts criticizing government policies.

But in a reaction, KYPD denies Usman’s arrest and torture, calling the report false and a cheap blackmail.The group claimed Usman posted a false and inciting statement capable of breaching public peace in the state.

In a Statement jointly signed by the Chairman,Comrade Musa Lere and Secretary,Comrade Joseph Maigari the group which expressed sadness over
the Sahara Reporters’ story on Kaduna Government Critic, Nura Usman Abducted, Tortured Over Facebook Post As Wife reported is nothing but false.

It stated further, “He was never arrested and still on the run.He is running away from the law. He posted a false and inciting statement capable of breaching public peace in the state. He couldn’t substantiate his claim. His invitation by the security operatives has nothing to do with Kaduna State Government as reported.”

Nura Usman had posted on Facebook handle:”Information reaching my desk just now has revealed that some aides of a governor from Kaduna State have met with some selected student leaders of the state-owned university.

“These aides have commissioned the student leaders to hold a press conference and publicly condemn the ongoing strike by lecturers, who are urging the state government to fulfill outstanding demands after multiple unmet promises.

“Sources indicate that the student leaders have received the sum of N20,000 from the aides in question to facilitate this press conference. We shall see”.

On those behind Nura Usman inciting post ,the group averred,” We see him as someone allegedly being sponsored by former Kaduna State Governor,Mal. Nasiru Elrufai against Governor Uba Sani.

However, the Sahara Reporters quoted , a petition dated May 2, 2025,where he stated that ” a law firm alleged that Mr. Usman was abducted on the night of April 30 by heavily armed operatives of Operation Fushin Kada, a joint security task force comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, DSS, Police, and other agencies.

“The law firm in the petition claimed the arrest was ordered by powerful officials within the Kaduna State Government, allegedly in retaliation for Facebook posts made by Mr. Usman on April 28 and 29 that criticized certain government policies.

“This is untrue and should be disregard by the public.”it stressed.

The Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria (FGGN) has called on Nigerians to ignore what it described as “sponsored groups” mobilized to discredit the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari.

In a statement made available to journalists, the group said Kyari had served the nation with dedication and patriotism, and therefore did not deserve the wave of attacks being orchestrated against him.

“Nigerians must learn to reward hard work and commitment to service, as is the practice in most developed countries,” the group stated.

The FGGN expressed disappointment that the protesters had failed to acknowledge Kyari’s significant contributions, particularly his efforts to revive the country’s ailing refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.

Describing Kyari as the most outstanding GCEO in the history of NNPCL, the group dismissed those behind the attacks as “jobless individuals with no vision for the future.”

The statement, signed by its Chairman, Comrade Bala Usman Sani, highlighted some of Kyari’s key achievements during his tenure. It noted that Kyari inherited a struggling NNPC but succeeded in transforming it into a more efficient and credible institution.

“He was recognized as the Outstanding Employer of the Year 2022 by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria,” the statement noted. “He maintained a national strategic fuel reserve that served the country effectively during fuel shortages and worked tirelessly to stem the smuggling of petroleum products across borders.”

The group also credited Kyari with encouraging private investments in refinery development—such as the Dangote Refinery and other modular refinery projects—and for pushing forward the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries.

It added that Kyari played a pivotal role in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which led to the successful incorporation of NNPC under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

“Under Kyari, the national oil company recorded significant progress, including increased domestic natural gas consumption, an oil production boost to 1.8 million barrels per day, and the revival of two major refineries,” the statement read.

The group also pointed to the introduction of the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda under Kyari’s leadership, which it said helped address inefficiencies and restore public trust in the national oil firm.

FFGN concluded its statement by calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and not allow “politically motivated distractions” to undermine the achievements of those who have genuinely served the country.

By Samuel David

As political speculations swirl in Zamfara State, the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has issued a strong caution to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning against the possible defection of Governor Dauda Lawal from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the ruling party.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Salihu Suleiman, and circulated to journalists on Wednesday, NAN described any plan to welcome Lawal into the APC as a “strategic misjudgment” that could fracture the party’s stability and weaken its electoral prospects in the North-West state.

According to NAN, Governor Lawal’s rumored shift is not born of ideological alignment but rather a desperate move to escape the intensifying political heat being applied by entrenched APC powerbrokers — specifically, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and former Governor and Senator Abdulaziz Yari. Both figures are known to command significant grassroots loyalty and political influence in Zamfara, and have reportedly been working to neutralize Lawal’s 2027 re-election ambitions.

“The political landscape in Zamfara is delicate, and Governor Dauda Lawal’s hold on power is slipping rapidly,” the NAN statement reads. “His anticipated decampment to the APC should not be mistaken for strength or added value to the party.”

The organization stated bluntly that Lawal’s political trajectory has been marred by controversy and a lackluster performance, which it believes makes him an unsuitable ally for the APC.

“His inclusion in the APC would be an uncalculated gamble,” NAN stated. “Rather than adding value, Lawal would become a burden — creating internal conflict, risking party unity, and diluting the APC’s core message of discipline, vision, and northern unity.”

NAN contends that the APC must be especially wary in Zamfara, a state long plagued by banditry, instability, and a rapidly shifting voter base. “This is not the time for sentimental or reactionary politics. APC needs stability and must build on the solid structures already in place through committed, tested loyalists,” the statement added.

The group also warned that Lawal’s defection could send the wrong signals to party supporters across the region — particularly those who have made sacrifices to build the party’s profile in the North.

By Musa Luther

The Arewa Youths Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a blessing to the North and the nation as a whole, applauding his transformative strides since assuming office.

The group stated that Wike’s leadership has brought renewed hope to residents of Abuja through his firm handling of urban development, law enforcement, and security matters. They praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they termed a strategic appointment, saying Wike’s emergence as FCT Minister is an example of “putting the right peg in the right hole.”

Speaking through its Speaker, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, the youth group highlighted the minister’s outstanding approach to governance, citing his swift actions in addressing illegal structures, encroachments, and deteriorating security in the capital.

“Wike has shown remarkable leadership and an unwavering commitment to restoring the dignity and structure of Abuja. His bold steps to remove illegal developments and clear out street beggars are long overdue and reflect his dedication to reviving the Abuja master plan,” Danbature said in a statement.

He added that Wike’s urban renewal efforts, coupled with his insistence on strict adherence to city planning laws, have raised the standard of governance in the FCT and created a ripple effect that is being felt across the region.

The Assembly also commended Wike’s collaborative efforts with neighboring states to improve regional security. According to Danbature, these partnerships have helped curb crime and improve public safety, thanks to the minister’s coordination with local and state-level security agencies.

“His readiness to work with multiple stakeholders, including state governments and grassroots security outfits, has been vital in the ongoing improvement of Abuja’s security landscape,” he noted.

While urging Wike not to be discouraged by critics, Danbature called on President Tinubu to continue giving his full support to the minister, stating that the synergy between the presidency and the FCT administration is essential for lasting reforms and national development.

He also appealed to Abuja residents to cooperate with the FCT authorities by obeying laws and participating in efforts to maintain peace and order. “Development is not a one-way task. Citizens must also take responsibility for sustaining progress,” he said.

Danbature concluded that the Assembly’s endorsement of Wike underscores the importance of competent leadership and regional cooperation in achieving sustainable growth in the FCT and beyond.

“The Arewa Youths Assembly stands with Minister Wike. His courage, vision, and actions are restoring Abuja’s lost glory and setting new standards for governance in Nigeria’s capital,” he declared.

**ENDS

Musa Luther

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has condemned the ongoing plan by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal Dare to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the group in a statement issued and signed by it’s Chairman Comrade Danjuma Paul, the governor’s decision is motivated by fear and desperation which will not only be a betrayal of the principles of the PDP but also a reflection of Governor Lawal’s inability to provide effective leadership in the face of political challenges.

The group said, it is evident that the governor’s decision is primarily driven by his apprehensions regarding the political maneuvers of influential figures such as the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and Senator AbdulAziz Yari.

“The looming shadows of these established political players have evidently instilled a sense of insecurity in Governor Lawal, compelling him to seek refuge in the APC. This act of political expediency underscores a troubling trend: the prioritization of personal ambition over the collective interest of the people of Zamfara State.

“Governor Lawal has long been perceived as a political liability within the PDP. His tenure has been characterized by a lack of substantial contributions to the party’s vision and goals. Instead of fostering unity and progress, he has often been viewed as a political baggage, failing to galvanize support and inspire confidence among party members and constituents alike”..

Mr Paul said, the governors proposed defection to the APC will not alter the narrative; rather, it will only serve to further highlight his inability to rise above the challenges that have plagued his governorship.

The NSCF said, they firmly believe that the people of Zamfara State deserve a leader who prioritizes their welfare and development over personal political survival, adding that Governor Lawal’s decision to defect does not signal a commitment to better governance but rather a retreat from accountability and responsibility.

“His track record within the PDP has proven that he lacks the vision and integrity necessary to lead effectively, and his transition to the APC is unlikely to yield any positive outcomes for the citizens he purports to serve.

Moreover, the NSCF is concerned that Governor Lawal’s shift to the APC will only exacerbate the existing political tensions within Zamfara State.

“The APC, under the influence of figures like Bello Matawalle and Senator Yari, is already embroiled in its own internal struggles. Introducing a leader who has previously demonstrated a lack of political acumen will only complicate matters further and may lead to greater instability within the state’s political landscape” them forum emphaosed.

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum therefore called on Governor  Lawal to reconsider his decision to defect to the APC, while urging him to prioritize the interests of the people of Zamfara State over his own political ambitions.

“The citizens deserve a leader who is committed to their welfare and who can unite rather than divide. It is our hope that the governor will reflect on his responsibility to the people he serves and choose a path that fosters unity, progress, and true democratic governance” them statement added..