Bello Muhammad Matawalle is a distinguished Nigerian politician and educator who has significantly contributed to the nation’s political landscape.

Early Life and Education

Matawalle was born on February 12, 1969, in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. He commenced his educational journey at Maradun Township Primary School, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate in 1979.

He furthered his studies at the Vocational Teachers College (VTC) Bunza, graduating in 1984. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, he attended the Yaba College of Technology in Lagos and later pursued advanced studies at Thames Valley University in London. ​

Matawale’s journey from education to high-ranking political offices exemplifies dedication and service.​

Professional Journey

Embarking on a career in education, Matawalle served as a teacher at Government Girls College, Moriki, and Government Girls College, Kwatarkoshi. His dedication to public service led him to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in Abuja, marking his transition from education to governance. ​

Political Career

Matawalle’s political journey began in 1998 when he was elected to the Zamfara State House of Assembly under the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP).

Following the political restructuring after General Sani Abacha‘s demise, he was appointed Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Zamfara State, serving from 1999 to 2003. During this period, he also held positions as Commissioner for Environment, Rural Development, and Youth and Sports.

In 2003, Matawalle was elected to the House of Representatives, representing the Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency. He was re-elected in 2007 and 2011, initially under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and later with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after his defection in 2011. ​

The 2019 gubernatorial elections in Zamfara State marked a pivotal point in Matawalle’s career. Although he secured the second-highest votes, a Supreme Court ruling nullified the All Progressives Congress (APC) votes due to irregularities, leading to Matawalle’s inauguration as the Governor of Zamfara State on May 29, 2019. ​

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In June 2021, Matawalle, along with several state officials, defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His tenure as governor concluded in May 2023. ​

EXPLORE: Matawalle support group Chairman, others dump PDP for APC in Sokoto

Matawalle has received several accolades, like; Governor of the Year Award by Vanguard Newspaper, National Award for Security in Niger Republic, Sun Newspaper Man of the Year Award, to mention a few.

In August 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Matawalle as the Minister of State for Defence, entrusting him with significant responsibilities in addressing national security challenges.

Banditry and armed violence have intensified across northwestern Nigeria, with multiple attacks reported in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, leaving dozens dead, scores kidnapped, and communities devastated. Daily Trust reported that in Zamfara State, bandits have launched a fresh wave of deadly assaults across Tsafe Local Government Area, killing at least two people and abducting over 60 others. The attacks are believed to be reprisals for the recent killing of top bandit warlords by security operatives, including Kachalla Yellow, also known as Dan Isuhu, who died in a failed ambush on the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards in Keta. He was killed alongside his nephew, the son of the notorious kingpin Adamu Aliero. Another unnamed bandit leader was reportedly eliminated in a separate operation around the same time. In apparent retaliation, gunmen loyal to Aliero have intensified attacks. On Sunday, bandits struck Gidan Arne village, killing two residents and injuring another. About 40 women were abducted, and several homes set ablaze. That same day, Keta community suffered another assault in which one person was killed, 11 vehicles were torched, and shops looted. Additional coordinated raids occurred in Yan Doton Daji and Unguwan Chida, where 21 people were kidnapped11 in Yan Doton Daji and 10 near Kucheri town. A community leader said the dense forests around Tsafe have made the area a stronghold for kingpins like Aliero and Dogo Gide, allowing them to operate with impunity. Bandits have also imposed levies on farmers, threatening violence if they refuse to pay before harvesting crops. Zamfara has seen relentless attacks over the past year. Last month, six members of the Community Protection Guards and four local vigilantes were killed in an ambush following a military-led operation in Sunke Forest. In October 2024, nine guards were ambushed and killed near Tsafe, and shortly afterward, their Director General, retired General Lawal B. Muhammad, was shot but survived. In February, dozens of worshippers were kidnapped during an attack on a mosque in the area. Efforts to reach state security officials for comment on the recent surge in violence were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the Commissioner for Internal Security, retired Captain Bala Mairiga, went unanswered. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he would revert after contacting the Divisional Police Officer in Tsafe, but no update was received. In Sokoto State, suspected members of the Lakurawa armed group killed two fishermen and a farmer in Sanyinna village, Tangaza LGA. The attackers, riding motorcycles from a nearby forest, struck on Tuesday morning, killing Zubairu Kusugu, Aminu Ibrahim, and Salisu Dangwati. The incident followed similar attacks in Sutti and Takkau villages, where two others were wounded and livestock stolen. Garzali Raka, security aide to the Tangaza council chairman, confirmed the attacks. DSP Ahmed Rufai, the Sokoto Police Command spokesperson, also confirmed the killings and said the attackers would be brought to justice. In Kebbi State, gunmen invaded the Istijaba Villa off-campus hostel of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi in Kalgo LGA, abducting a 400-level Economics student, Augustine Madubiya, and killing a local herder. The attack occurred early Tuesday while Augustine was sleeping outside due to heat. Another student, Collaneous Steven, escaped. The attackers assaulted students after demanding money and fled with Augustine. Malam Siddi Hussaini, a herder tending his cattle, was shot dead while trying to rescue the students. Governor Nasir Idris has ordered immediate action by security agencies to ensure Augustines safe return. The states anti-terrorism unit is reportedly on the case. Police spokesperson CSP Nafiu Abubakar confirmed that a joint operation is underway, and the universitys Vice-Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, has visited the scene. These coordinated attacks underscore the deteriorating security situation across the region, with civilians caught in the crossfire of deepening criminal insurgencies.The post Bandits kill 2 and abduct 60 in Zamfara in revenge for kingpins killings appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has strongly opposed the nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri as an ambassador, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove his name from the list of nominees.

The group described the nomination as a contradiction and a failure of integrity checks.

In a statement issued on Monday, April 7, OYC’s National President, Comrade Igboayaka Igboayaka, criticised Omokri’s nomination, calling it “an institutional endorsement of hypocrisy and political opportunism.”

“It is contradictory that somebody who previously distrusted the president is now deemed fit to become Nigeria’s ambassador,” Igboayaka stated.

He referenced Omokri’s past remarks about Tinubu, particularly a December 2022 Facebook post where he described Tinubu as “a known drug lord, who belongs in jail, not Aso Rock.”

Igboayaka further questioned how security agencies cleared Omokri for the appointment despite his previous claims against Tinubu.

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“If Nigeria’s security agencies cleared Reno to represent Nigeria, does it imply that Reno’s allegations of a drug-related issue involving Tinubu have been substantiated?” he queried.

The OYC leader also referenced another post dated December 17, 2022, where Omokri claimed to have obtained verified documents from Chicago implicating Tinubu.

Omokri suggested that a hair or urine sample could confirm whether Tinubu was still using drugs.

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The OYC called on security agencies to demand that Omokri produce the “verified drug documents from Chicago” and make them public.

According to Igboayaka, Omokri’s past statements should disqualify him from any government role.

“Reno Omokri’s criticism of the Nigerian government and certain politicians seems to be motivated by personal political gains rather than a commitment to strengthening democracy,” he added.

The group further warned that nominating Omokri sends the wrong message about the integrity of the Tinubu administration.

“The presidency should know that clearing Reno Omokri implies and confirms the perception of Nigerians that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration lacks integrity and credibility,” the statement concluded.