Opinion
Absent-Mindedness and Human Stupidity: The Case of Abubakar Matawalle
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.
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.