Many Blessings of Governor Bello Matawalle Administration In Zamfara State
Oyewale Oyelola
The emergence of Alhaji (Dr) Bello Matawalle as Zamfara State governor after a landmark Supreme Court judgement that nullified all APC primaries in the state for 2019 general elections was welcomed with mixed feelings. Some people see it as a way of giving leadership position to unprepared and incompetent, while others feel it’s an opportunity to rejigg political space in Zamfara state.
The name Bello Matawalle is new to outsiders who have not been following political activities in Zamfara state but political observers know the name symbolises integrity, selfless service, purposeful leadership and a refined public servant. Governor Bello Matawalle has cave niche for himself in politics, civil service and community development. He has over two decades experience in public service both at the state and federal levels. Governor Bello Matawalle after joining politics served as commissioner in four key ministries between 1999 and 2003, and later elected as member of federal house of representatives for Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency. The visionary leader due to his performance was reelected three times to serve in the national assembly.
Therefore, the God ordained Zamfara State Governor possesses necessary credentials, skills and experience to take the state to greater heights. During the 2019 electioneering campaign, Bello Mohammed Matawalle described the APC-led government in the state as a total failure, and pledges to implement formidable economic reforms that would make the state self-reliant if given the mandate.
Unsurprisingly, the governor has been walking the talk by taking bold steps to correct abnormalities of immediate past administration in Zamfara State. Governor Bello Matawalle is working round the clock to restore peace across the state after years of unending banditry activities and insecurity. Before his swearing as governor, one could conclude that some part of the state has been ceded to bandits while people are living in fear as a result of growing kidnapping rate.
To this end, Governor Matawalle after critical assessment of security challenges in the state adopted dialogue approach to tame activities of bandits and restore peaceful atmosphere across the state. The governor as experienced public administrator briefs President Muhammadu Buhari and security agencies on the best way to tackle insecurity challenge in the state. He met traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders as well as sends emissaries to dialogue with bandits for peace to reign in Zamfara state. The genuine spirit, uprightness and humility of the governor prompted the bandits to drop their weapons, free captives in their custody and embrace peace.
Consequently, Governor Bello Matawalle invokes executive power to free over 100 bandits from prison while the bandits have so far released 10 foreigners and 290 Nigerians. They also surrendered 216 rifles to security agencies as part of amnesty deal with the Zamfara State Government.
Moreover, the governor as part of activities to mark 100 days in office laid foundation for N8.6billion RUGA Settlement. Governor Matawalle noted that apart from transforming the life of fulanis, the project is tied to broader issues of Security, ensuring harmonious coexistence and solidarity among people of the State especially farmers and herders.
Just within over 100 days in office, Governor Matawalle has been receiving accolades from both local and international organizations for his giant strides in area of peace and security. Recently, the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS) presented Award of Excellence to him and he describes the award as a great motivation to work harder for peace in Zamfara and Nigeria at large.
Apart from security, Governor Matawalle is working assiduously to uplift standard of education in the state. So far, the incumbent administration has reinstated over 556 teachers and 1040 other workers who were employed by the previous administration but abandoned for five years. He also procured over 2000 mattresses to students at Government unity secondary school, Kwatahkwasi and partnering with Tetfund to access N1billion for infrastructural development in all Zamfara state owned higher institutions. The governor during visit to TETFUND headquarters said: “Education is our greatest priority. I look forward to having the contribution of your organisation to Zamfara State in that area”
Similarly, Matawalle administration has vowed to prioritise civil servants’ welfare with view of boost their productivity and improve their efficiency. Governor Matawalle in August ordered the payment of leave grants to all local government staff while implementation of N30,000 minimum wage will commence in the state soonest.
Likewise, the purposeful leader is reviving moribund government owned establishments such as Legacy Newspaper publishing, Zamfara FM broadcasting, Zamfara Fertilizer Plant blending and others.
Although, the governor is busy righting the wrongs of the past but he is also creating sustainable future for Zamfara state. Governor Bello Matawalle has signed N1billion investment deal with African Export-import Bank in mining, agriculture and industrial development. The deal will create more jobs, boost state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and spurs economic development in the state.
Indeed, Governor Bello Matawalle is the real definition of divine blessing for Zamfara people. He has started well and the people should continue to support him to deliver more dividends of democracy.
Governor Bello matawlle is really trying, he has from inception demonstrated political willingness and commitment to good leadership.
We are indeed perflexed in his quest for peace resolution and security approach, we hope he will maintain the temple and also hope he will continue to deliver on the mandate.
The social media crew should continue to keep us abreast of the effective leadership and where matawlle erred , should be call to order.