By Suleiman Abbah
Stupidity is a concept that has puzzled and fascinated philosophers, psychologists, and ordinary people for centuries. It is not just a lack of intelligence or knowledge, but a complex array of behaviors and decisions that defy logic and reason. Human stupidity can be categorized into distinct groups, with the most puzzling being individuals who harm themselves and others due to their nonsensical decisions.
One of the most frustrating aspects of stupidity is when individuals display behaviors that are clearly illogical and harmful. We see this in the blind devotion of some to politicians or ideologies that are clearly damaging to their own interests. The root causes of such stupidity often lie in inherent flaws such as arrogance, self-delusion, persistent ignorance, and absent-mindedness.
Abubakar Matawalle, the self-proclaimed secretary of Voice of Zamfara, serves as a poignant case study in the realm of human stupidity. His fervent defense of protests against Minister of State for Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle highlights the blind loyalty and stubbornness often associated with such behavior. Abubakar Matawalle’s attempts to justify these protests by revising history to suit certain political agendas are not only nonsensical but also harmful.
His blind devotion to his paymasters and his willingness to spread falsehoods and provoke conflict reflect a disturbing lack of critical thinking and rationality. His actions not only harm himself but also contribute to the propagation of harmful narratives and divisiveness within society.
The behavior exhibited by Abubakar Matawalle serves as a stark reminder of the damaging potential of human stupidity. By aligning himself with divisive and destructive forces, he exemplifies the irrationality and harmful nature of blind loyalty and flawed reasoning. His actions underscore the importance of recognizing and challenging such behavior in order to prevent further harm and promote critical thinking within society.
In his efforts to justify the protests, Abubakar Matawalle shamefully attempts to revise history to suit certain agendas of his paymasters like Aminu Sani Jaji sponsored by the Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration which has acquired the reputation of being the worst in the history of Zamfara State in terms of any capacity to generate credible goals.
In his misguided efforts to defend these protests, Abubakar Matawalle conveniently ignores the pivotal role played by Bello Matawalle in the 2023 elections. Bello Matawalle’s relentless efforts to mobilize the Northern populace in support of Bola Tinubu were instrumental in bringing about positive change in the region.
Abubakar Matawalle did this by disregarding the fact that it was Bello Matawalle who fought against significant odds to ensure the North-West votes overwhelmingly went to Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress and combined with those from other parts of the nation to comprehensively reject the Peoples Democratic Party, a party that had run its course.
Abubakar seemed to have forgotten the pivotal role played by Bello Matawalle, the Zonal Coordinator of the Tinubu campaign for the North-West, in the 2023 elections. Matawalle’s efforts were nothing short of extraordinary as he tirelessly worked to mobilize the Northern populace to come out and vote for change. His selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to the Tinubu cause represented a turning point in the fight against poor governance, indifference, and corruption that had plagued the nation throughout the PDP years.
From Sokoto to Kano, Katsina to Jigawa, Bello Matawalle galvanized Northern groups and political elites to unite in support of Tinubu and a better future. The people, especially the poor, young, and women, responded to the Bello Matawalle pull and rejected the culture of receiving handouts in exchange for their votes and instead chose to empower themselves by electing Tinubu who would prioritize their security and prosperity.
The success of President Tinubu in the North-West was a testament to Bello Matawalle’s leadership and the triumph of popular will over deaperate attempts to manipulate it.
Despite facing criticism and unwarranted attacks from such detractors as Jaji and attack dogs as Abubakar, Matawalle remained a beacon of respect, integrity, and decency. His dignified response to their accusations and provocations only served to highlight his unwavering commitment to serving the people and upholding the values of good governance.
It is unfortunate that despite Matawalle’s exemplary conduct, there are those like Jaji and Abubakar who continue to spread falsehoods and attempt to provoke him into reacting. These individuals have thrown every accusation imaginable at the Defence Minister, yet he has maintained his composure and refused to be drawn into unnecessary conflicts.
Bello Matawalle’s resilience in the face of such adversity is a testament to his character and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society. As he continues to lead the Defence Ministry with grace and humility, his supporters stand by him, unwavering in their loyalty and admiration for a leader who embodies the values of respect, integrity, and compassion.
On the other hand, the kind of behavior exhibited by Abubakar in the service of his paymasters can only be described as nonsensical and harmful to both himself and others and a classic example of how stupidity can drive individuals to make decisions that are clearly irrational and harmful.
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, individuals like Abubakar Matawalle persist in their misguided beliefs and actions, causing harm to themselves and their masters in the process. Their inability to see beyond their own biases and agendas highlights the irrationality and damaging nature of human stupidity.
In the grand scheme of things, Abubakar Matawalle’s actions may seem inconsequential, but they serve as a stark reminder of the power of stupidity to cloud our judgment and lead us astray. It is a sobering reflection of the human capacity for irrationality and folly, despite all our advances in knowledge and technology.
In conclusion, the case of Abubakar Matawalle sheds light on the complexities of human folly and the potential harm that can arise from blind devotion and flawed reasoning. As we navigate the challenges of modern society, it is crucial that we remain vigilant against the influence of stupidity and strive towards greater rationality and critical thinking in our actions and decisions. By doing so, we can work towards a more enlightened and harmonious society, free from the damaging consequences of irrational behavior and misguided beliefs. It is up to us to recognize and challenge the influence of stupidity in our lives, before it leads us down a path of self-destruction and harm.