Opinion
Matawalle and Irresponsible Self-Proclaimed Crusaders’ Symphony of Misinformation and Lies
By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman
The political landscape in Nigeria has become a breeding ground for self-proclaimed pressure groups that thrive on spreading misinformation and lies. These groups, driven by their dangerous mission to distort facts and target institutions and leaders, have become an integral part of our society. In this essay, we will explore the delightful symphony of deception orchestrated by these groups, all while maintaining an academic tone.
Lately, Nigeria has witnessed an unprecedented rise in the number of self-proclaimed pressure groups. These groups, often fueled by a sense of self-righteousness and an abundance of spare time, have taken it upon themselves to enlighten the masses with their unique brand of misinformation. Their dedication to spreading falsehoods is truly commendable, as they tirelessly work to undermine the credibility of institutions and leaders.
What is truly remarkable about these pressure groups is their creativity and ingenuity in spreading misinformation. They have mastered the art of cherry-picking facts, distorting information, and presenting it in a way that would make even the most seasoned con artist blush. Their ability to manipulate public opinion is awe-inspiring, as they effortlessly weave a web of lies that captivates the gullible minds of their followers.
These self-proclaimed pressure groups have a particular fondness for targeting institutions and leaders. Their relentless attacks on these pillars of society are a testament to their unwavering commitment to chaos and confusion. By spreading lies and half-truths, they aim to erode public trust in these institutions and leaders, leaving behind a trail of doubt and skepticism.
The rise of social media has provided these pressure groups with the perfect platform to disseminate their misinformation. With just a few clicks, they can reach millions of people, spreading their lies like wildfire. The lack of fact-checking and the ease with which information can be shared on these platforms have only fueled the proliferation of these groups, allowing them to thrive in an environment where truth is a mere inconvenience.
The proliferation of irresponsible self-proclaimed pressure groups in the political landscape is truly a sight to behold. With their creative manipulation of facts and their mastery of social media, they have managed to create a symphony of deception that resonates with gullible followers. So, let us raise a glass to these unsung heroes of our time, for without them, the world would be a much duller place. Cheers to the proliferation of irresponsible self-proclaimed pressure groups!
A recent example of such a group is the Civil Society Advocacy Groups for Accountability and Probity, which was reported by obscure online portals to have protested at the National Assembly Complex to demand the sack of the Minister of State Defense, Bello Mohammed Matawalle. This clumsy protest serves as a prime case of irresponsible activism, characterized by blackmail and the potential to incite public outrage.
The fact that the protest was carried out by an obscure group of self-proclaimed crusaders raises concerns about its credibility and genuine intentions. Typically, such groups thrive in the realm of obscure online platforms, where there is a lack of editorial oversight and accountability.
The protest in question is one of the many failed sponsored misinformation campaigns orchestrated by Matawalle’s self-appointed enemies. These adversaries are discontented with the commendable efforts made by the Defense Minister to address the insecurity challenge in northern Nigeria.
The rise of misinformation campaigns has become a concerning trend, as individuals and groups with vested interests manipulate public opinion through false narratives. In this case, the singling out of Matawalle for attack and irreverent treatment by the so-called Civil Society Advocacy Groups for Accountability and Probity is a classic example of such a campaign. The obscure group responsible for the protest and dissemination of false information against Matawalle is undoubtedly sponsored by individuals or groups who are threatened by his success in tackling the insecurity challenge in northern Nigeria.
It is important to acknowledge the commendable efforts made by Matawalle in addressing the security crisis in the region. Since assuming office, he has implemented various strategies aimed at bringing an end to the rampant insecurity that has plagued northern Nigeria for years. These efforts include increased collaboration with security agencies, engaging local communities, and implementing intelligence-driven operations. Matawalle’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region has garnered widespread support and appreciation from the local population.
However, Matawalle’s success has inevitably attracted opposition from those who have vested interests in perpetuating the security crisis. These self-appointed enemies, who are not happy with the Defense Minister’s achievements, resort to unethical tactics such as sponsoring misinformation campaigns to undermine his credibility and tarnish his reputation. By spreading false reports of protests demanding his removal, they aim to create a false narrative that Matawalle has lost the support of the people.
The fact that the Civil Society Advocacy Groups for Accountability and Probity could not justify any of the issues raised during the protest beyond echoing the unsubstantiated claims by the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal against Matawalle is a significant testament to the desperation of dark forces of reaction pursuing an agenda to diminish Matawalle’s populist tendencies and distract attention from the progress he is making to address the deadly insecurity experienced in the North.
Dauda Lawal, the incumbent governor of Zamfara State, has been embroiled in a series of scandals that have left the people of Zamfara questioning his integrity and suitability for office.
One of the most glaring is the awarding of contracts that were not included in the state budget. As former commissioners in Zamfara have pointed out, there is no evidence to suggest that these contracts were budgeted for. In fact, they claim to being in possession of a copy of the budget, which clearly does not include any provision for the said contracts. This raises serious concerns about Lawal’s disregard for due process and fiscal responsibility.
Lawal’s actions indicate a blatant disregard for the principles of virement and extra-budgetary spending. The ex-commissioners have highlighted the absence of any evidence regarding the receipt of virement by the State House of Assembly. This flagrant violation of financial regulations is an impeachable offense, and it is imperative that the state assembly takes immediate action.
Most recently, Lawal has been accused of false assets’ declaration, further tarnishing his already stained reputation. An anti-graft group has obtained a document allegedly showing Lawal’s assets, raising questions about the source of his wealth. It is imperative that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) clarifies how Lawal’s assets were verified, as this revelation casts serious doubts on his credibility and suitability for public office.
On the other hand, Matawalle’s populist tendencies have gained him significant popularity among the people, particularly in the North. His commitment to addressing the deadly insecurity plaguing the region has resonated with the masses.
The progress made by Matawalle in tackling the deadly insecurity in the North poses a threat to the interests that have manipulated the situation for their gain. By attempting to divert attention from the positive developments and focusing on discrediting Matawalle, these interests hope to maintain the current conditions and continue profiting from the security crisis.
The sponsors of the Civil Society Advocacy Groups for Accountability and Probity campaign against Matawalle are not happy with the potential collapse of the manipulated security situation in the North. For years, they have exploited the security situation for personal gain, whether through corruption, arms smuggling, or other illicit activities. The stage-managed protest, therefore, suggests that they fear losing their grip on this lucrative enterprise as Matawalle’s efforts to combat insecurity gain traction.
It is truly saddening how groups such as the Civil Society Advocacy Groups for Accountability and Probity have managed to build an entire career out of disseminating falsehoods and misleading narratives for a fee. Gone are the days when young Nigerian activists were expected to adhere to ethical standards, verify facts, and present unbiased information. Instead, we now have a plethora of sensationalist platforms that prioritize clickbait sensations over integrity.
These irresponsible crusaders have turned misinformation into a profitable enterprise by capitalizing on people’s gullibility and thirst for sensationalism. Outrageous conspiracy theories and baseless claims have replaced the need for facts. It is an art form to see how these fringe groups masterfully fabricate stories to manipulate public opinion, cherry-picking facts, distorting information, and presenting it in a way that aligns with the agenda of their paymasters.
This Civil Society Advocacy Groups for Accountability and Probity protest is undoubtedly part of a sponsored misinformation campaign orchestrated by individuals or groups threatened by the Defense Minister’s success in addressing the insecurity challenge in northern Nigeria. These adversaries resort to unethical tactics, such as spreading false narratives, to undermine the Minister’s credibility and tarnish his reputation.
By diverting attention from positive developments and focusing on discrediting individuals like the Defense Minister, the vested interests that sponsored the protest hope to maintain the existing state of affairs and continue profiting from the security crisis. The consequences of irresponsible activism can be severe, leading to public unrest, panic, and hindering societal progress.
In conclusion, the rise of self-proclaimed pressure groups in Nigeria’s political landscape has created a delightful symphony of misinformation and lies. These groups, driven by their dangerous mission to spread falsehoods, have become an integral part of our society. Their creativity and ingenuity in manipulating facts and targeting institutions and leaders are truly commendable. However, it is important to recognize the consequences of their actions, as they can lead to public unrest and hinder societal progress.
With this level of desperation shown by the obvious beneficiaries of the general and pervasive insecurity being experienced in the North, it becomes important for the cultured section of the region’s elite to undertake the task of preparing and sensitizing northerners on various positions and situations as regards to the unfolding situation, and enabling the Northern people to be less reliant on outside sources of information and less amenable to manipulation by deliberate misinformation campaigns.
It is crucial for northerners to be critical thinkers and verify information before accepting it as truth. Only through a commitment to truth and integrity can we combat the symphony of deception orchestrated by these irresponsible, self-proclaimed crusaders.
There is something common in politics and with Politicians in this clime, it stems from the arrogance of power, it stinks to high heavens, it is shit in its worst form; that a few men and women play God, they assume that their egocentric predilections represent the collective will, and they undermine the Law as well as the mindset of the electorate. They move to Party B with the mandate given to Party A by the People. And they Cross-carpet or decamp to another Party without deference to the provisions of the Law.
Just yesterday the entire Political Structure in my home State of Delta was led by the State Governor Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC, that tsunami of sorts happened without firm reasons but the usual refrain that ‘they want to align with the centre for more democratic dividends to come to the State’. I wouldn’t have opted to do this piece had the All Progressive Congress APC made great feats of the States under its watch, alas President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) and his followers are masters of deceit, subterfuge and perfidy. They spew soulless propaganda, having no soul they lack moral margins, they lie about everything and they destroy the moral fabrics of our nation. They are shameless, spineless and have no scruples.
Where is the Soul of the men of power who dumped the PDP just yesterday for the APC in Delta State? They have chosen to stand on a Blood Stained Mandate. They have elected a Hunger ridden mandate. They have chosen a corruption riddled mandate. They laud an insecurity enabling mandate. They salute a nepotistic mandate. And they dance to a frustration festering mandate. Had the PBAT led APC at the Centre made Nigeria better than it met her, I would applaud Governor Sheriff and his fellow travelers, but the truth is what consistently the APC, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his men have chosen to trample upon, nay the Truth is that under the PBAT led APC Government, Nigeria is today worse than it was yesterday.
What logic situates the movement of the Delta State Political Structures from the PDP to the APC at a time when Nigerians feel the most unsafe in their homeland? When the States of Plateau, Benue and Bornu have become theatres of human barbecues. Is it not stupidity to elect a blood stained and a blood soaked mandate over being in a Party in the opposition?
Is it not a show of shame to elect a mandate that has left the masses of the people in poverty, despondency and want over fueling the fervour of an opposition seeking a new deal and a new Republic of hope for the people? Which sincere and people oriented leader would dump the opposition for a Party that is absolutely rudderless and progressively multiplying poverty? Only the soulless and the shameless, surely.
The fulminating shenanigans that undermine the monstrous corruption of the APC Government, the unending Infrastructural decay, the unhinged failure of the energy and the power sector, the pervasive hunger, disease and pain in the land, and the murderous gangs killing and maiming citizens with reckless abandon defines the Olympic soullessness of the Delta State Political Merchants who have elected a Blood Stained Mandate over matching for the redemption of Nigeria.
I believe that it is manifest stupidity to desert the opposition at a time that our nation is in dire straits and badly craving vibrant opposition. I believe that it is a show of shame to decamp to a Party and a Government that has failed to protect lives and property.
And I hereby lampoon with unbridled vehemence all those who have chosen to stand on the blood stained and blood soaked mandate that PBAT epitomizes.
Hmmm, so suddenly my home State is now APC, interesting. A class of less than 300 people nay ‘leaders’ met at the Government House in Asaba, and in one fell swoop changed the political colour, temperature and identity of the State, interesting. My People, this One-Party State wey APC and PBAT dey push and pursue na to what end? PBAT and his Party the APC through this manifest antics of State capture have tied democracy to the stake, and are daily through acts of impunity, lawlessness, and braggadocio shooting violently at democracy, I pray they do not shoot this jingleover democracy to death. I pray that they understand that One Party State is the precursor to Authoritarian Rule and Dictatorship. And I pray that they are not oblivious of the politico-social tendencies of the Nigerian State, a State that cannot and has never been captured by any one tendency. In any case, before they completely murder democracy, it must be on record that someone warned against the Stupidity, against the Show of Shame and against the Shenanigans of our Political Operators.
Call me names, but let it be on record that when the elders and the hoard of egotistic political merchants that predominate our political kaleidoscope fiddled with the poisoned chalice of sycophancy and hypocrisy, I wasn’t quiet. Let it be on record that when they ate poisoned bread baked with blood stained and blood soaked mandate, and when they chose to dance on the tombs of the dead across our space who were unlived because government failed to protect them, that someone called out the discerning, and warned against the omnious times that they make certain.
The sequel to this patriotic effort shall most certainly tell more, reveal more and foretell the pitfalls that a most arrogant and self-seeking political class weave in the path of our ‘democracy’. We have got some difficult days and difficult times ahead.
Call me the Wailer, that’s ok, for I Wail that Nigeria may become Great.
Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT. A Good Governance Advocacy Group.
It was the famous American former President, Abraham Lincoln who noted that the people when rightly and fully trusted will return the trust.
Thus, when the trust level gets high enough, people exceed apparent limits, discovering new and awesome abilities of which they were formerly unaware.
When trust is placed on those who occupy public office, they need to work had to continue to justify the trust in the people they preside over.Appointment into office is premised on the facts that the appointee is capable and will be of immense values to the realization of the aspirations of the government in power.
Thus, with the coming of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into office, series of strategic appointment of respected and credible niger9ians were made thereafter.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had the qualities of appointing the right people in the right position, having judged their qualification and capabilities. This is a unique ability which good leaders to possess in abundance.
It was this sense of judgement that made him to appoint Chief Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola CON as the current minister of Marine and Blue Economy.He was the former chief of Staff to the former Governor of Osun State and later became the governor of the state.
Whereby he displayed integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience. This role allowed him to exhibit his administrative shrewdness and dedication to the advancement of the state.
During this time, he played a critical role in implementing policies and initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure.He was later appointed minister of transportation by President Bola Tinubu on 16 August 2023, but redeployed four days later to the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Despite the newness of the ministry, his leadership abilities and acumen as well as his professional qualification eminently qualifies him for the arduous job, for he pursued his education with diligence, earning a degree in Applied Accounting from the prestigious University of Lagos.
With a passion for learning and a keen eye for effective management, he embarked on a career that would see him excel in various sectors.
According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”
European Commission defines it as “All economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts, the realization that Nigeria has vast ocean ecosystem justifies the creation of the ministry.
The ministry’s four action pillars for its first four years (2023–2027) are: promoting sustainable blue economy investments; transforming port operations; enhancing port infrastructure; and strengthening blue governance.
Under Oyetola’s leadership, the ministry targets attracting $2 billion in investments in offshore renewable energy by 2025; establishing at least five new fish processing plants by 2025 and at least two new coastal tourism sites by 2026; and creating three million marine and blue economy-related jobs by 2027.
The importance of this ministry lies in the fact that the life of the planet and correct functioning of ecosystem services are sustained by marine ecosystems.
The blue economy thus has the potential to achieve a sustainable development which does not compromise life on Earth tomorrow.
Thus, his appointment eminently justifies and in line with the aspiration s to make Nigeria a great nation.His achievements in office are attributed to maritime security and safety, port operational efficiency, infrastructure rehabilitation, connectivity and blue economy development.
The Minister, who unfolds the strategic plans of the Ministry and the Agencies which would focus on maritime security, safety, ship building & maintenance, maritime governance, port infrastructure rehabilitation, capacity building, among others.
Under his leadership, the Nigeria’s territorial waters became safer especially in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) in the past one year, with the maritime sector recorded zero incidence of piracy and maritime terrorism for more than one year.
Ports were upgraded and his ministry worked assiduously to actualize the implementation of the National Single Window at the nation’s ports to facilitate trade and competitiveness of country’s port system.
The value his outstanding leadership will also impact on the acceptability and reelection of the present administration in 2027.
We Commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the confidence reposed in and the subsequent Appointment of Chief Gboyega Oyetola as the Minister of the Marine and Blue Economy.
He is honest and transparent in his stronger determination to reposition the sector as the leading source of revenue to the country and will surely do more based on his past robust antecedents. We thus call on all Nigerians to support his vision and pragmatic leadership in the office, so as to enable impact the lives of many more citizens of the country.
Dr K.M.Tugga is an Abuja resident and public affairs commentator
By Rinret Jennifer Mwarap
The unrelenting massacre of citizens in Plateau State has reached an alarming level. While the government claims to be taking steps to restore order, the reality on the ground tells a different story one that feels like nothing meaningful is being done.
It is heartbreaking to see our loved ones butchered without cause. The questions torment us: What have we done wrong? Who have we offended? Where did we go astray? Must we continue to endure this suffering for no justifiable reason?
The killing of innocent people in Plateau must come to an end. The government and security forces cannot afford to look away. Their responsibility is clear they must act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice, for the sake of the innocent victims and the children left behind.
I call on the Governor of Plateau State to rise to this challenge. Take bold and immediate action against those who seek to destroy our land and shed innocent blood. Let them face the full weight of the law.
This feels like a nightmare—how did we get to the point where the same Plateau where I once slept peacefully with both eyes closed is now a place where even sleeping with one eye open feels unsafe?
Where is the peace in our “Home of Peace and Tourism”?
When will our tears dry? When will justice prevail?
If we truly seek peace, then justice must be non-negotiable.