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Zamfara Governor Lawal And Ex-Gov Matawalle Clash Over N11bn Airport Project Scandal

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In a high-stakes showdown, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, currently serving as the Minister of State for Defence, have ignited a fierce dispute.

This battle revolves around allegations of financial mismanagement related to the Gusau International (Cargo) Airport project.

Here, we delve into the core of this controversy, examining the evidence and counterclaims that have emerged.

The Zamfara State government, under Governor Lawal, alleges that the previous administration, led by Matawalle, embezzled vast sums during the development of the cargo airport project.

Matawalle, however, vehemently denies these claims.

According to the spokesperson for Governor Lawal, Sulaiman Bala Idris, Matawalle’s response has exposed a “blatant violation of trust, opening a Pandora’s box.”

They contend that the financial challenges faced by the current administration are a result of Matawalle’s actions.

It is alleged that Matawalle directed the removal of a substantial amount from the Local Government Joint Account without due process and paid contractors without proper valuation.

The cost of the airport project itself has raised eyebrows.

The claim that the project’s cost was reduced from N28 billion to N11 billion without a corresponding reduction in the scope of work raises questions about the bidding process’s integrity.

Matawalle’s attempts to cast doubt on the credibility of the contractor have also been met with scepticism.

Matawalle’s assertion that the airport project was financed through “contract financing” rather than the “Contract Financing Facility (CFF)” has been refuted.

Documents indicate that state government funds, not the CFF, were used to pay the contractors.

Additionally, payments to the contractor were not based on accurate assessments of the work done, as per the Zamfara government’s records.

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Several components of the project, including the dual carriageway, drainage, gate, and the link road, remain incomplete.

The claim that various aspects of the airport are 50-100% completed has been met with skepticism, as progress should be determined by work done and contract documents.

The involvement of aviation authorities in the project came late, contrary to industry standards.

Governor Lawal’s administration asserts that the initial revelations are just the tip of the iceberg.

They have conducted a thorough review of Zamfara State’s assets and liabilities, with more revelations expected in the near future.

Those implicated in financial improprieties will be held accountable, regardless of their social status.

Former Governor Matawalle is not staying silent in the face of these allegations.

He, through his ex-Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara, accused Governor Lawal of attempting to divert attention from security challenges facing the state.

Matawalle’s statement highlights the improvements in security during his tenure and questions the motives behind Lawal’s actions.

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Politics

Wike: I wanted Fubara’s removal, but Tinubu came in and saved Rivers

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, saying he wanted the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the oil-rich state.

In a move that has continued to divide opinions, Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the House of Assembly following months of political crisis in Rivers State.

But Wike said the president’s move saved Rivers from implosion, arguing that the decision to appoint a sole administrator following Fubara’s suspension was a step in the right direction.

The former Rivers governor said this on Friday in Abuja during a media parley with select journalists.

“As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers state. I wanted the outright removal of the governor. But for the interest of the state, the president did the right thing to prevent anarchy in the state.” Wike said.

“However, people must tell the truth. The governor was gone. He was gone, yes… so when people say the president did this, I say they should be praising him.

“Every morning, they should go to the president and ask, ‘Can we wash your feet for saving us?’”

“Mr president came in and saved the situation, saved Rivers people from that calamity and anarchy,” the FCT minister argued.

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Falana Slams Ibas,Seeks His Removal

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Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to immediately remove the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, citing a breach of constitutional procedure and defiance of President Bola Tinubu’s directives.

In a statement provided to Elanza News on Thursday, Falana referenced the official Federal Government Gazette, which outlined the terms governing the Sole Administrator’s operations.

According to the document, “the Sole Administrator shall operate on the basis of such Regulations that may, from time to time, be issued by me,” President Bola Tinubu stated.

However, Falana noted that “it is common knowledge that President Bola Tinubu has not issued any Regulation for the operation of the Sole Administrator.”

Despite this, the appointed Sole Administrator has proceeded to make appointments and remove officials who were earlier appointed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Describing the development as unlawful, Falana said: “By treating the orders of President Bola Tinubu with contempt, the Sole Administrator has compounded the illegality of his appointment.

The Sole Administrator ought to be removed without any further delay.”

The legal luminary’s position comes amid a broader political crisis in Rivers State, where the legitimacy of key appointments and the balance of powers between the state and federal government continue to generate intense debate.

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Politics

2027: Northern group pledges 2m votes for Tinubu

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The Northern Nigeria Youths Union (NNYU), has promised to garner over two million votes for President Bola Tinubu during the 2027 General Elections.

The Chairman of the union, Abubakar Aliyu, discussed this on Wednesday shortly after the conclusion of a major meeting held in Jos, Plateau.

“We are speaking after the conclusion of a large gathering of young men and women who have committed themselves to contributing to the journey of Tinubu.

“This is after seeing how he is implementing a myriad of developmental projects across the country, especially in the Northern parts of Nigeria,” Aliyu said in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

The chairman, who is also the Galadiman Takai, cited Tinubu’s recent inauguration of the construction of the Abuja to Kaduna to Kano Highway.

Aliyu said, “This is a road that has three lanes on each side, which will attract more developments to the North and the entire country.”

He also referenced the phenomenal decline in the prices of food stuffs during just-concluded Ramadan’ fast, averring, “everyone glaringly witnessed this feat.

“The prices of various goods had also nosedived and even the price of fuel had reduced significantly.

“We in our organisation, the Northern Nigeria Youth Union, assure the president that when the election comes, we will give him more than two million votes.”

Aliyu stated that the union had registered members, Muslims and Christians, all volunteers in each of the 19 Northern states.

He added, “It is is not that we were given money from somewhere, we are just volunteers with patriotism.

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“Considering our large membership, when the elections are held, we will also attract the attention of many people to cast their votes for Tinubu.

” Therefore, with a large membership of over 65,000 people, and the efforts we will make to get people with voter’s cards, will ensure that we generate the votes for Tinubu.

“This is a guarantee that this will indeed be done.”

The chairman, however, called on Tinubu to ensure that all his political appointees were closely monitored.

“This call becomes necessary so that the people could be properly cared for as per the constitutional provisions,”Aliyu explained.(NAN)

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