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Zamfara Civil Service reshuffled after memo leakage showing financing of terrorism, banditry

Published

1 week ago

September 11, 2024

By Ojomah Austin.

Zamfara State has been thrust into a maelstrom of political upheaval following the emergence of a leaked memorandum purportedly implicating senior government officials, including the Governor, in the financing of terrorism and banditry. This bombshell revelation has ignited widespread indignation and outrage, both domestically and internationally. The fallout from this explosive expose has led to an unprecedented and abrupt reshuffling of key civil servants across the state, in a move that has sent shockwaves through the bureaucracy.

Sources within the Zamfara State Government House have revealed that the Governor was visibly incensed upon learning of the leaked memo, which allegedly detailed financial transactions facilitating banditry and further entangling high-ranking government officials in the scandal.

At the epicenter of the Governor’s anger was reportedly the Commissioner of Finance, who, as the overseer of the state’s financial management, is responsible for orchestrating the movement of accounting staff within the bureaucracy.

*A Strategic Move or A Defensive Maneuver?*

In an attempt to mitigate the fallout from the public embarrassment and intense backlash from international human rights organizations, Governor Dauda Lawal swiftly initiated a comprehensive reorganization of civil servants within the state bureaucracy, specifically focusing on the treasury department. This strategic move was formally communicated through a subsequent memo, meticulously outlining the extensive reshuffling of civil servants.

According to credible sources, the Governor’s office, in an unconventional and unexpected maneuver, sidestepped the Commissioner for Finance and instead entrusted the Head of Service, Ahmad Aliyu Liman, with the sensitive task of orchestrating the “special” redeployment of treasury staff.

This unusual deviation from established protocol has raised eyebrows, sparking speculation about the motivations behind this decision and the extent of the Governor’s involvement in the treasury department’s affairs.

The follow-up memo obtained by our investigative team, with the reference number HOS/Z/844/VOL.III, outlines the redeployment of various senior treasury staff, including directors and deputy directors in key financial departments.

Here are some of the notable redeployments:

-Idris Bawa (GL-15): Moved from the Accountant General’s Office to a new post in the same office.

Aminu Musa Gusau (GL-15): Shifted from the Sub-Treasury to become the Deputy Accountant General.

Isah Garba Nasarawa Godel (GL-15): Appointed Acting Director of Expenditure Control.

Shehu Balarabe Anka (GL-15): Moved to the IPPIS (Salaries) department as Acting Director of Funds.

The comprehensive reshuffling affected over a dozen senior civil servants, many of whom held critical positions in the state’s financial management and control systems. Sources inside the government claim that these postings are part of a broader move to sanitize the state’s financial sector in line with civil service reforms. However, the sudden nature of the redeployment raises questions about its true intent.

*An Act of Reform or Damage Control?*

Interestingly, the Commissioner of Finance, typically entrusted with overseeing the assignment of accounting staff within the state bureaucracy, was conspicuously bypassed in this reshuffling exercise. According to well-placed sources, this decision stemmed from a profound lack of confidence in his office, coupled with deep-seated concerns that sensitive documents may continue to surface in the media.

The strategic redeployment of key financial personnel coincides with escalating suspicions that the Governor’s office is endeavoring to conceal the damning allegations outlined in the initial leaked memo.

While the government asserts that these personnel changes constitute part of comprehensive financial sector reforms, critics vehemently argue that the Governor’s true intention is to insulate himself from intensified scrutiny. The timing of this reshuffling has also raised significant concerns. If, as the Governor’s office maintains, the initial allegations of financial support to bandit leaders were entirely fabricated, it beggars the question: why the apparent haste to reassign key staff and prevent further leaks?

The emergence of the leaked documents has galvanized international and local organizations to demand a thorough, impartial investigation into the state’s financial dealings.

*Zamfara’s Dark Web of Terrorism Links?*

Zamfara State’s troubles have intensified with the surfacing of fresh allegations linking Governor Dauda Lawal to Farouq Abdulmutallab, the infamous perpetrator of the 2009 ”ailed terrorist attack. Although the specifics of this purported link remain unsubstantiated, the mere mention of Abdulmutallab’s name in conjunction with Zamfara’s escalating crisis has significantly exacerbated suspicions of the Governor’s involvement in terrorism financing.

Local leaders and astute political observers are gravely concerned that should these allegations be validated, Zamfara, already a volatile hotbed of banditry and insecurity, may descend into even greater instability.

The confluence of events – the leak of sensitive documents, the ensuing reshuffling of key personnel, and the Governor’s alleged ties to global terrorism – raises profoundly disturbing questions about the quality of governance and security apparatus in the state. The potential implications of these allegations are far-reaching, threatening to undermine the fragile stability of the region and perpetuate an environment conducive to terrorist activities.

*Political Fallout and the way Ahead*

To date, the Governor’s office has remained conspicuously silent, failing to issue an official statement addressing the leaked memo or the recent reshuffling, beyond the dubious assertion that these measures constitute part of broader “civil service reforms.”

Nevertheless, pressure continues to intensify from diverse quarters, with numerous voices demanding the Governor’s immediate resignation and a comprehensive, impartial investigation into the financial transactions of the Zamfara State Government. The strategic redeployment of key treasury personnel may temporarily appease certain elements within the government, but it will do little to dispel the pervasive specter of alleged corruption and complicity in terrorist activities now hanging over the state administration.

As the situation continues to unfold, attention remains fixed on Zamfara State, with all eyes watching for developments.

The true intentions behind the government’s actions, whether genuine reform or an intricate cover-up will likely become increasingly transparent as investigations progress, shedding light on the veracity of the allegations.

*The Unanswered Questions*

The question remains: if the initial memo alleging the Governor’s collusion with bandit leaders was indeed fabricated and tampered with, why the abrupt shift in focus towards preventing government document leaks, implicitly acknowledging the veracity of the prior accusations?

The swift reshuffling of civil servants and the deliberate bypassing of the Commissioner of Finance in this process betray a state of palpable panic and desperation, suggesting a frantic endeavor to reassert control and contain potential damage. This sudden and drastic action raises more questions than answers, casting doubt on the Governor’s professed innocence and fueling speculation about his actual involvement in the allegations.

The haste with which the Governor’s office has moved to reorganize key personnel and sidestep established protocols implies a profound sense of vulnerability, underscoring the likelihood that the initial memo struck closer to truth than initially acknowledged.

The Governor of Zamfara stands at a precarious juncture, faced with a daunting decision that will determine the fate of his administration and the state’s role in combating terrorism. The recent reshuffling, ostensibly presented as a facet of civil service reform, appears to be a strategic maneuver aimed at mitigating the fallout from the damning allegations contained in the leaked memo.

As clamors for accountability intensify, both domestically and internationally, the leadership of Zamfara State teeters on the brink of collapse, its credibility severely compromised. The citizens of Zamfara have lost faith in Governor Dauda Lawal’s ability to ensure their safety and security, which now seems an elusive dream on the verge of extinction.

The state’s pleas for help have become a desperate cry, borne out of frustration and despair. The people’s aspirations for a leader who would usher in an era of peace and stability, freeing them from the scourge of insecurity, have been cruelly dashed.

The lingering questions remain: Will terrorism ever be eradicated in Zamfara State? Will a worthy leader emerge to rescue its people from this abyss of fear and uncertainty?

Related Topics:banditry memo leakage terrorism Zamfara Civil Service

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SEE 20 billionaires supporting Trump and Kamala in the race for The White House

Published

3 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

The race for the United States Presidency has reached a fever pitch. As the US presidential election draws close, the financial backing of billionaires has become a defining factor in the campaigns of leading candidates.

Donald Trump, the Republican party candidate and Kamala Harris, who took the baton from President Biden for the Democratic party, continue to rally the support of some of America’s wealthiest, drawing powerful endorsements from influential figures in the country seeking to shape its future.

Elections are run with money, and political parties and their candidates require a lot of it to run successful campaigns. This process is supported by the high and mighty who donate good money towards the government they wish to see in power. These funds cover a range of expenses, including advertising, staffing, travel, and organising events.

From business partners to friends, acquaintances and wealthy individuals who want to see the tide turn in their favour, here are 20 billionaires supporting Trump and Kamala as the next US President.

Billionaires supporting Donald Trump
1. Elon Musk
Perhaps being Donald Trump’s biggest fan on X, which he now owns, the world’s richest man Elon Musk could also be Trump’s loudest supporter. In July, the founder worth, $250.8 billion announced plans to commit around $45 million a month to a new super political-action committee, called America PAC, backing former President Donald Trump’s presidential run.

2. Linda McMahon
Linda McMahon is the wife of Vince McMahon, the former CEO of WWE. McMahon, who is currently worth $3.1 billion had made up to $16 million in donations to Trump groups to support his election campaign. She chairs the pro-Trump nonprofit America First Policy Institute, serving on the board of Truth Social’s parent company, Trump Media and Technology Group.

3. Diane Hendricks
“I know how hard it is to build a company from nothing,” she said. “And we need a president who understands that too,” Diane Hendricks, called America’s richest self-made woman, said on stage at the Republican National Convention in her home state of Wisconsin last month. Forbes says that the $20.9 billion-worth entrepreneur has already pumped $6 million into groups that support him.

4. Andrew Beal
American banker and businessman, Andrew Beal gave more than $4 million to Trump committees and other GOP groups in 2020. The $12.2 billion- valued investor is now betting on Trump again, putting $1.8 million behind Trump’s 2024 ticket.

5. Kelcy Warren
Kelcy Warren, the billionaire in energy has been fond of Trump. Warren had given $100,000 to help elect him in 2016, then dropped more than $11 million in 2020. This time around, he has given about $6 million to support Trump’s campaign. Warren’s Energy Transfer is best known for the Dakota Access Pipeline, which Trump helped expedite in one of his first acts in office.

6. Elizabeth Uihlein & Richard Uihlein
Liz and Dick Uihlein are among the Republican party’s most generous donors, giving tens of millions per cycle. The couple have donated $5 million to trump groups according to Forbes. In 2021, the duo celebrated Trump’s “America First” trade policies and called out publicly-held companies for being “too concerned about their stock share price.”

7. Phil Ruffin
Ruffin is a significant Donald Trump donor, as well as his business partner and close friend. His donations to Trump’s PACs and committees have reached $3.3 million so far this cycle, surpassing his combined donations from the last two elections.

8. Geoffrey Palmer
Geoffrey Palmer is one of the largest apartment developers in Los Angeles, with nearly 13,000 units in the greater L.A. metro area. Palmer is a major financial backer of former president Donald Trump, donating some $16 million to his campaigns and PACs from 2016 to 2022. This year, he’s up to $3 million. The developer is worth $3.1 billion.

9. J.Joe.Ricketts
Ricketts, whose family owns the Chicago Cubs, poured $3 million into a Republican anti-Trump group back in 2016 with his wife. They have given a combined $2 million to Trump groups so far this time around, betting against Kamala.

10. Jimmy John Liautaud
Since Jimmy John sold the majority of his business to a private equity firm, he has gotten more involved in politics, as has his wife Leslie. She backed Trump in 2016 and 2020 and John joined her this year, giving $2.8 million to Trump groups so far.

Billionaires supporting Kamala Harris
1. Mark Cuban
The billionaire Shark Tank star and former principal owner of the Dallas Mavericks is one of the Democrats’ most valuable supporters. Valued at US$5.4 billion according to Forbes, Cuban, who is known to have attended a Joe Biden fundraiser, has retweeted various posts about Harris’ campaign, and signed the “VCs for Kamala” pledge.

2. Reid Hoffman
LinkedIn co-founder, Reid Hoffman has been a long-time Democratic donor and wasted no time backing Harris after Biden dropped. In January, he poured $2 million into a super political action committee (PAC) for Biden’s campaign. The former CEO, worth $2.5 billion plans to open a fundraiser for Harris and has been reported to push Netflix chairman Reed Hastings to donate US$7 million to a PAC supporting the current Vice President.

3. Vinod Khosla
Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, and OpenAI investor has backed Harris to win the elections in November following the withdrawal of President Biden, who he hosted a fundraiser for in May. Worth $7.2 billion per Forbes, the entrepreneur has donated to Super PACs in support of Harris.

4. Chris Sacca
Chris Sacca made early bets investing in Twitter and Uber through his venture capital firm Lowercase Capital. Now he’s making bets of Kamala Harris to be the next US president after donating to Biden’s campaign before he dropped out. Sacca noted that he and his partner Clay Dumas have “invested millions of dollars and countless hours helping build organisations and companies that we think have the best shot at giving blue candidates an edge in a game that is rigged against them.”

5. Eric Schmidt
Worth $22.5 billion per Forbes, the former CEO of Alphabet has given $1.6 million to Future Forward PAC, a Democratic super PAC, and $1.16 million to the Biden Victory Fund.

6. Dustin Moskovitz
Moskovitz, who helped to launch Facebook (now Meta Platforms) in 2004, gave up to $929,600 to the Biden Victory Fund before he dropped out of the race. Now, he has directed his attention to Kamala who goes against the same opponent, Trump.

News

IG Orders Redeployment Of FCT, Rivers, Delta CPs

Published

4 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the redeployment of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, to FCT command.

The shake-up also affects the Delta State Police Command, with CP Abaniwonda Olufemi being reassigned to the Rivers State Command.

In his place, CP Peter Opara who was recently posted to the FCT command, has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police for Delta State.

The Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Thursday, said the redeployment was to ensure effective policing in the affected states.

He said, “The Inspector-General of Police in an effort to strategically emplace a Police Force well efficient for effective policing, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Commissioners of Police of Rivers State Command, Delta State Command, and the Federal Capital territory.

“The order covers the redeployment of the CP Rivers State Command, CP Olatunji Disu as the new CP FCT; CP Delta State Command, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi as the new CP Rivers State Command and CP FCT, CP Peter Opara as the new CP Delta State.”

Adejobi also said the IG, in accordance with the approval of the Police Service Commission, has deployed four CPs to Lagos, Abia, Ebonyi, and Akwa-Ibom States.

He said, “In addition, following the approval of the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police has also deployed four CPs as Commissioners of Police for Abia, Lagos, Ebonyi, and Akwa-Ibom State Commands.

“The deployment includes the posting of CP Danladi Nda to Abia State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ishola Olawale to Lagos State Command, CP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya, FDC to Ebonyi State Command and CP Festus Eribo to Akwa-Ibom State Command.

“The posting of these strategic managers reflects the mission of the Inspector-General of Police to strategically reposition the Police Force and ensure maximum utilization of human resources available to the Force. “

He stated that the IG urged the CPs to be innovative and ensure personnel are diligent in their duties.

Adejobi said, “The IGP has, however, urged the new CPs of State Commands to ensure diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and adopt innovations that could mitigate security challenges in their respective areas of responsibility. He further encouraged them to key into the police reform plans, which will help the progress of the Nigeria Police Force and the growth of the country in general.”

News

Credible Intel Indicates Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Involved in Banditry – Zamfara Gov Alleges

Published

4 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has made a startling disclosure, alleging Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Bello Matawalle, of involvement in banditry in the North-West region.

Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Politics Tonight on Wednesday night, Lawal cited credible information suggesting that his predecessor, Matawalle, played a significant role in the ongoing security crisis.

From all the information we’re getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of this banditry issue,” Lawal stated. His comments come as northern Nigeria continues to grapple with relentless bandit attacks, particularly in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina states. This is not the first time such allegations have been raised against Matawalle. In July, notorious bandit leader Kachallah Bello Turji had made similar accusations, claiming that the former Zamfara governor had been supporting terrorism in the region. Turji, in a video statement, maintained that Matawalle was involved in the rising wave of violence, an allegation that stirred significant controversy. However, Matawalle has consistently denied these claims. His media consultant, Deyemi Saka, labelled the accusations as unfounded and baseless, dismissing them as attempts to tarnish the minister’s reputation. Despite this, Turji and now Governor Lawal remain firm in their assertions, keeping the spotlight on Matawalle’s alleged connection to the banditry crisis.

The accusation against a high-ranking government official comes at a time when northern Nigeria is plagued by severe security challenges, with banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism escalating in various states. The federal government’s response to these claims and the overall situation remains to be seen.