I have read with a mix of disbelief and amusement the reports circulating from the media team of Alhaji Bello Matawale, former governor of Zamfara State and the Minister of State for Defence, who is attempting to lure the performing Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, into the All Progressives Congress (APC) with all resources at his disposal. Like a paperweight politician who has not won any election in his political life, it’s clear that Matawale is desperately looking to score political points and gain bragging rights by convincing Governor Lawal to join his party using the media as bait. This tactic was recently employed by former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who managed to persuade his successor, Sheriff Orohwedor Oborevwori, to defect to the ruling APC, taking with him members of the House of Assembly and other political structures.
On June 6, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ensured that Governor Umo Eno of the PDP also defected to the APC, thereby consolidating power and influence in the state. It’s evident that Matawale is similarly eager to lead Zamfara into the APC, but he faces significant resistance from a populace that has expressed unwavering support for Governor Dauda Lawal, recognising the positive changes he has initiated since taking office.
What Matawale seems to overlook is that both Okowa and Akpabio were previously effective governors who could point to substantial infrastructure projects and impactful policies in Delta and Akwa Ibom states, respectively. In stark contrast, Matawale’s tenure as governor was marked by monumental failures, leading to a decline in the state’s progress with little to no substantial projects or policy initiatives to show for it. His current efforts to align himself with a functioning government are not only desperate but transparently self-serving.
It’s worth noting that even as the Minister of State for Defence, Matawale has struggled to effectively address the pressing issues of banditry and kidnapping plaguing his dear state, Zamfara. It has been Governor Lawal who rallied local vigilantes and worked collaboratively with police and military forces to secure the roads in and around the state. Instead of using his position to support Governor Lawal in enhancing security, Matawale resorts to throwing political barbs and unleashing his media team to attempt to undermine Lawal’s administration. This administration has already made commendable strides in infrastructure development, education, health care, and workers’ welfare, all aimed at poverty alleviation.
Matawale appears to be attempting to reap where he has not sown, clearly distressed by the formidable and united strength of the Zamfara PDP under Dr. Lawal’s leadership, coupled with the support of influential opinion leaders committed to mending the damages inflicted during Matawale’s administration. It is particularly striking that during his time in office, Matawale failed to pay WAEC and NECO fees for students in the state, while Governor Dauda Lawal has since not only cleared those backlogs but also addressed pension and gratuity issues.
Ultimately, the idea that he could snag a significant political figure like Dr. Lawal for his advantage seems laughable. As Governor Lawal has consistently stated, “I am better off in the PDP, and I will remain in the PDP.”
To Minister Matawale, the case is closed. Governor Lawal is not inclined to engage with you politically; however, if you are genuinely interested in collaborating to combat the issues of kidnapping and banditry for the betterment of Zamfara’s citizens, he is open to that dialogue. Yet, for political manoeuvring? That ship has long since sailed.
Oladapo Sofowora, is a Lagos based well traveled journalist, social commentator and publisher.
