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.
By Suleiman Hassan Gimba Esq
I do not speak for Buni, for I am neither the voice nor the vessel of government. I do not speak for the flyover, for I am neither its foundation nor its asphalt. And I do not speak for the detractors of the flyover, for I am neither their echo nor their intent.
But I do speak for myself—as a citizen who will drive on this flyover and the existing roads in Yobe.
I speak as a husband, as a potential father who understands that government policies shape my ability to provide for my family. The roads I travel, the infrastructure around me, and the decisions made in government halls all influence my capacity to build a future where my child can grow in safety and my wife can nurture them in a stable, supportive environment.
I do not speak for power, nor for opposition—I speak for the everyday man whose life is shaped by these choices, for the citizen who desires not just development in name but development that truly serves the people.
As a child, I struggled to grasp the saying, “He who fails to plan, plans to fail.” One of my teachers at FECOET Demonstration Secondary School, Prof. Adam M. Abubakar, used to say it often.
It was plain, simple, and straightforward, yet my young mind could not understand how failing to plant during the rainy season meant sowing the seeds of hunger in the dry season. But I have since come to understand that development that truly serves the people is built on planning.
I have followed the political career of His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, and I hope to write a book about him one day, for his is a career rooted in planning.
Everywhere he goes, he excels. There was a clear plan when he was a Special Adviser to the Governor, there was one when he led the APC, and there is a bold one in his leadership of Yobe State. The APC enjoyed its best days under his watch; he was National Secretary of the first and only opposition party in Nigeria’s history to defeat a sitting president; he was Chairman of the Caretaker Committee that rescued the APC from implosion.
The importance of planning is best illustrated when comparing Abuja and Lagos. Both are Nigeria’s biggest cities, but in terms of road convenience, Abuja is far ahead. Why? Because Abuja was built with a master plan to last the ages, while Lagos has had to adapt as it grows. The roads in Abuja were constructed before congestion set in, with flyover pillars pre-installed in strategic locations, waiting for activation. Lagos did not have that foresight. Today, its people sleep in traffic, and all remedial efforts are expensive and disruptive.
It is no different with Damaturu. As urbanization increases, road congestion will become a major challenge. A flyover can significantly ease traffic, reduce travel time, and improve road safety by minimizing accident-prone intersections.
It will also enhance the work of agencies like YOROTA, YEMABUS, fire services, police, and other security bodies by allowing them to move more efficiently.
I cannot speak for the flyover, but I can speak for large infrastructure projects. I have been around long enough to know that such projects create employment, directly and indirectly. The flyover will not only provide construction jobs but will also stimulate economic activity by improving connectivity. It sits on roads that link at least three other local governments, another state, and three neighboring countries. Property values around it will rise, increasing local wealth and boosting Internally Generated Revenue through modernized property taxation under YOGIS.
And what is Damaturu if not our own Abuja, our own FCT? Whether we acknowledge it or not, the city will experience population growth and commercial expansion. What we can decide is whether we prepare for it—and H.E. Mai Mala Buni is doing just that. Strip Dubai of its infrastructure, and it is nothing but a Yusufari in the Middle East. We, too, must build the kind of infrastructure that attracts investment.
What many may not realize is that the flyover will actually save them money—on fuel, on vehicle maintenance. Smoother traffic flow means lower fuel consumption and less wear-and-tear on vehicles. It also means reduced carbon emissions due to less idling in traffic, aligning with the governor’s environmental sustainability plan and the broader Damaturu Development Plan.
What we can hope for is transparency in budgeting, procurement, and contract execution to ensure that the project is completed on time and to standard.
To close this write-up, I return once more to my childhood—boring, I know. I grew up seeing the NPN shops in Potiskum. Built in the late ’70s and early ’80s, they were the first all-concrete, fire-resistant shops in Nigeria. At the time, many saw them as wasteful and too ambitious. But today, development has caught up with them. No one stands at Kasuwan NPN and questions whether we were ready for them.
The same will be said of the five modern markets built by His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, the Potiskum Cattle Market, and now, the flyover. These projects will stand the test of time. And though I can never speak for Buni, they will speak for him—because they were planned with the people in mind. And when they start improving lives, the people will listen. The people will rejoice. Years and decades may pass, but these projects will remain, honoring the man who built them and serving the people he holds dear.
By Jumai Ahmadu
It is no longer news that there was an altercation between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, but what it underscores is how women in elective positions in Nigeria continue to face severe under-representation.
Senator Natasha Akpoti, who was almost suspended from parliament by the Senate President, is just one out of similar cases in the recent past. Sen. Ireti Kingibe and Sen. Remi Tinubu (now First Lady) all had bitter experiences at the upper chamber.
It is in the light of these awful experiences that Seat Reservation for Women Bill by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, becomes urgent to only boost gender parity, but to unlock national prosperity of which women are a critical segment of.
Nigerian women’s political engagement in Nigeria has quantitatively shown that there is grossly low levels of female election to the National Assembly. The issue of female electiveness is one of myriad of issues women face in Nigeria – poor economic power, discrimination, cultural and religious inhibitions as well as societal biases.
The very notion that the country’s political sphere since 1999 has not witnessed any seismic shift in terms of gender equity and parity rather has remained largely dominated by men despite several efforts by both government and the private sector to enhance women participation and representation in elective politics does not inspire confidence in terms of inclusion and diversity.
A statistical report in 2017 on women and men in Nigeria shows that representation of high-ranking government officials with decision-making powers is heavily lopsided in favour of men. The representation of women in the 9th Assembly is not a significant improvement from past Assemblies.
In 1999, sixteen (16) women were elected into the National Assembly with thirteen (13) in the House of Representatives and three (3) in the Senate. The total number increased to 25 in 2003 with twenty-one (21) in the House and four (4) in the Senate.
The highest number of women ever to be elected into the National Assembly is thirty (36) in 2007 with twenty-seven (27) in the House and nine (9) in the Senate. Since then, there has been a steady decline to thirty-two (32) in 2011, twenty-nine (29) in 2015 and seventeen (17) in 2019.
In the 9th National Assembly, there were eight (8) female Senators (7.3%) and thirteen (13) female Members of the House of Representatives (3.6%), which represents 4.5% of the entire Assembly.
The 10th Assembly has women occupying four (4) out of 109 seats (2.7%) in the Senate and 17 out of 360 seats in the House of Representatives (4.7%), which represents 4.2% of the 469-member Assembly.
Therefore, after seven general election cycles since 1999, the number of women in the Senate has dropped to what it was at Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
It is thus significant to note that the cumulative percentage of women in the two chambers of Nigeria’s incoming 10th National Assembly is below 5%. It is also important to note that no woman was elected in 15 out of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly following the state level general elections in March 2023.
With current figures for the 10th National Assembly, Nigeria shamefully places at the lowest neighborhood of the ranking of countries on women in public leadership especially African Parliaments.
The National Assembly must take action to support increase in the number of women represented in government by passing the specific Constitution Alteration bills to achieve this.
The Temporary Special Measures bill, with more than 80 other House of Representatives members co-sponsoring it, was debated but failed to pass in the 9th Assembly. It is instructive that women groups are continuing work on the bill in the current 10th National Assembly and needs to work harder not to lose this opportunity again.
Women’s lack of adequate participation in legislative processes has negatively impacted promotion and enforcement of their rights, and despite the low representation of women in the National Assembly, the bills sponsored by female legislators has had significant impact on the lives of all Nigerians. Men’s efforts, if any, to promote these rights are not sufficient, because they are not direct beneficiaries.
Structural biases and barriers to women’s political participation indicate that the few women who show active interest in politics are discouraged by factors that include prevailing gender stereotypes, cultural/religious reasons, unfavourable political environment, lack of financial capacity, electoral violence and restrictive party structures and processes, amongst others.
Political hurdles, socio-cultural issues such as patriarchy, religious dogma, and conventional views of women in politics and socio-economic hurdles such as low income, lack of resources, electoral processes and political party structures, have all been identified as barriers to women’s political engagement.
While women are making significant contributions to Nigerian politics, their representation in political and decision-making positions needs to be improved.
And 30 years after the Fourth World Conference on Women and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) we are nowhere near the 35% affirmative action.
Women groups plan to participate in the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Conference scheduled to hold March 10 to 21, 2025.
The main focus of the sixty-ninth session will be on the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly.
It is therefore recommended that the country’s 35 per cent affirmative action for women’s representation in politics be codified into law. Having legislation that requires government at all levels to have at least 35 per cent representation of women in appointive public service positions will be a good way to engender greater participation of women in politics.
Considering the importance of their presence in governance, we urge women in public leadership to stand firm and continue representing their constituents. They should never ever lose their voice, but rather continue to stand strong in your commitment to citizens and prove that representation matters.
Dr. Jumai Ahmadu is the Acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The history of abandoned nation’s city centre roads by the previous administration’s was brought to a halt, soon after the assumption of office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and appointment of Hon Minister, Nyesom Wike as the handler of the FCT in May , 2023.
Not long after his announcement and swearing as Minister of FCT, Wike visibly disturbed with the state of decayed infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, particularly the state of roads across all Areas, sessions, districts, Zones and locations swung into action by embarking on major roads repairs , resumption of construction, embarking on new ones that was commissioned during the first year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The massive repairs by the Nyesom Wike led Federal Capital Territory made both major and linkages of roads weared a new look and brought fresh air to motorists, travelers, pedestrians among many other road users across the FCT.
As at January 2025, Wike had not only completed most of the nations city roads , but connecting them with high capacity fly over bridges across areas abandoned for many decades as part of the master plan and opening up roads in the rural areas of the six area councils of Abaji , Kwali, Gwagwalada, Kuje , AMAC and Bwari areas.
Major and adjoining roads across the six area councils with those abandoned for many years close to a decade have been reconstructed between weeks and months returning back to these areas good life of motorable roads to the area councils.
His style of leadership in the area of roads construction across the nooks and crannies of FCT including the interior part of the councils was the engagement of construction companies in each of the six area councils, with allocation of roads to be constructed in batches with no time limit, but to ensure good motorable roads in the six area councils with a dedicated funds of about 300Billion approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revive rural roads across the six FCT area councils.
Twenty one months down the line , the improved infrastructure and roads construction has improved and competing favorably with those of the nations city, that was once a cynosure and shadow of itself due to leadership without foresight in the previous administrations.
The implications of the provision of good roads across the nations city and area councils has reduced to the barest minimum the influx of people from all walks of life into the city centre, as people now found comfort at area councils as a result of good network of roads and Infrastructural development.
Wike road projects all over the FCT has also linked many towns and villages to the FCT from Nasssarawa, Niger , Kogi among many other states reducing the high cost of renting houses in the city centre, as people have found refuge in area councils with network of good roads and cheap accommodation against the cut throat prices at the city centre.
The FCT Minister under Nyesom Wike has changed the narration of construction of one fly over for many years in the city centre, and construction of only one rural road in the area councils as FCT intervention projects.
Currently over ten flyovers are undergoing construction, reconstruction and completion in the FCT, while area councils has witnessed roads construction of more than ten areas in each councils with the stationing of construction companies in each area councils.
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has brought a new lease of life to residents and occupants of FCT through the infrastructure upgrade by reconstructing and re-awarding and construction of new roads in the nations city.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.