News
Zamfara Civil Service reshuffled after memo leakage showing financing of terrorism, banditry
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?
News
Senate mandates military to free LGs under B’Haram control
The Senate, on Thursday, called on the Nigerian military to deploy sufficient personnel to reclaim Abadam and Marte Local Government Areas in Borno State, reportedly under the control of Boko Haram insurgents.
During Thursday’s plenary, the Senate acknowledged the significant sacrifices made by the military in combating insurgency but expressed concern over the lingering presence of Boko Haram in the two LGs.
This resolution followed a motion presented by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC – Borno North), titled “Need to Deploy Adequate Security Personnel to Endangered Local Government Areas in Borno State.”
Senator Monguno highlighted the challenges Borno State had faced due to prolonged insurgency, commending the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in restoring relative peace.
However, he raised concerns about the lack of civil authority and military presence in Guzamala, Abadam, and Marte LGAs, which are predominantly agricultural communities.
Marte, in particular, is known for large-scale wheat and rice production.
Monguno stressed that the insecurity in these areas had caused severe hardship, disrupted local economies, and hindered infrastructure development.
He warned that the absence of security personnel might embolden insurgents to target surrounding communities, potentially reversing the gains made in securing the state.
Backing the motion, Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP – Delta North) emphasised the need for a national dialogue, led by the National Assembly, to understand the root causes of insecurity.
He argued that relying solely on military hardware like attack helicopters was insufficient, urging the government to create platforms for inclusive discussions involving all Nigerians.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC – Edo North) highlighted the need for effective legislative oversight, particularly concerning defence procurements.
He criticised the purchase of Tucano jets instead of attack helicopters, attributing the oversight failure to a lack of scrutiny.
Senator Ali Ndume (APC – Borno South) pointed out that while there was a task force operating in the Chad region, low morale among personnel remained a significant challenge.
He emphasised the importance of motivating security operatives and criticised the allocation of funds to non-critical areas amid the insecurity crisis.
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, thanked Senator Monguno for the motion and commended the military for their sacrifices.
He called on security forces to restore peace to the affected areas, noting the international dimension of insecurity. Barau also praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to address the issue on the global stage.
In its resolution, the Senate mandated its Committees on Army and Air Force to ensure the implementation of its call for reinforced security in Abadam and Marte LGAs.
News
ACF suspends chairman Osuman over comments on 2027 presidency
The Arewa Consultative Forum has suspended its national chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, for making what it describes as an authorised statement concerning the 2027 presidency.
Osuman was quoted as saying during the ACF National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday that the North would support a northern candidate for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.
Reacting in a statement on Thursday, the forum, through its Chairman, Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu and Secretary General, Murtala Aliyu, said Osuman made the statements without consulting or discussing with other leaders and members of the ACF, adding that the statements made only reflected his personal opinion.
ACF, therefore, announced the suspension of Osuman as Chairman with immediate effect and also constituted a Committee to investigate the infractions.
“ACF rejects Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman’s statements in their entirety. For this reason, the leadership of the ACF’s Board of Trustees (BOT) and that of its NEC has decided to place Mamman Mike Osuman on suspension with immediate effect,” the statement read.
News
2027: Obasanjo’s knock on INEC reopens push for electoral reform
Last week, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo harped on the urgent need for reform and strengthening of the nation’s electoral process.
Obasanjo specifically called for the dismissal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels for electoral integrity.
The erstwhile President spoke at the weekend via a recorded video address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, saying the electoral system reform is now among the top targets for change in Nigeria.
Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians must ensure that the INEC chairman and his staff were thoroughly vetted, adding that the vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“As a matter of urgency, we must make sure the INEC chairperson and his or her staff are thoroughly vetted. The vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“Nigeria must ensure the appointment of new credible INEC leadership at the federal, state, local government and municipal – city, town, and village levels – with short tenures – to prevent undesirable political influence and corruption, and re-establish trust in the electoral systems by its citizens.
“The INEC chairperson must not only be absolutely above board, he must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” he said.
Obasanjo pointed out that INEC failed to implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal during the 2023.
“These technologies were touted by the INEC chairman himself. In the end, these technologies did not fail.
“INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them which resulted in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the hen house,” Obasanjo stated.
However, the Presidency took issue with Obasanjo’s critique of the INEC.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday accused him of hypocrisy given his administration’s alleged role in organising what it described as the “most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.”
“It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Onanuga wrote
DAILY POST reports that the call is a renewal of the controversies that trailed the outcome of the 2023 general elections, including the recently held off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo and Edo states.
DAILY POST also recalls that the alleged non-compliance with the 2022 electoral law by INEC was one of the grounds on which the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, challenged the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.
Although Atiku and Obi lost their petitions at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court, they had argued that INEC did not follow the provisions of the 2022 electoral act and its own rules in conducting the election.
The duo maintained that INEC breached its regulations and guidelines by not deploying technological devices for voter accreditation, verification, continuation, and authentication as required.
However, DAILY POST reported that the Supreme Court particularly acknowledged that the non-functioning of the Result Viewing (IReV) portal of the Electoral Commission may reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process.
“Truth must be told, the non-functioning of the IReV may also reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process,” Justice John Okoro said while delivering the lead judgment in the appeal by the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku.
Recently, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said the “gross flaws” and “manipulations” in the Edo governorship election were sufficient reasons for the country to have radical and comprehensive electoral reforms.
Amadi had earlier in a post on X suggested that anyone dreaming of becoming president in 2027 is not serious without disbanding INEC.
“Anyone thinking of being the President of Nigeria in 2027 and not thinking of disbanding this @inecnigeria is not serious,” he posted on X.
Also speaking further at a press conference recently in Abuja, he stated that the performance of the INEC in Edo did not inspire confidence that it would do better in the then forthcoming Ondo election.
“There were allegations that election results were manipulated.
“The INEC leadership has assured that they will avoid the mistakes of Edo,” he said.
“There is no reason to trust that they would act honestly to uphold electoral integrity in Ondo.
“The second issue is the procedure of result collation in Edo. We have read reports of forensic reviews of observer groups. We see clearly that the result declared by INEC differs materially from the results uploaded in the IREV.
“This inconsistency is damaging to the integrity of the elections. Furthermore, INEC is issuing certified copies of results that are different from what it has uploaded on the IREV.
“This is alarming. It does not assure us of the integrity of future elections,” he said.
Speaking to DAILY POST, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials were serious concerns that needed to be addressed.
Odo opined that the electoral body’s excuses about national infrastructure and readiness were unconvincing.
He stressed that INEC must get its act together and demonstrate strong commitment to free and fair elections.
“INEC’s integrity is once again under fire, and I’m fed up with their constant failures.
“Like former President Obasanjo’s criticism, I agree that INEC’s lack of integrity, especially in electronic transmission of results, is alarming.
“The recent governorship election in Edo State was a critical test for INEC, and from what I’ve seen, they’ve failed miserably.
“Their inability to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process is appalling. The manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.
“The fact that some parties didn’t even submit polling and collation agents, yet they’re participating in the election, is a joke.
“The electronic transmission of results is not rocket science, but INEC has made it seem like an insurmountable task.
“Their excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing. It’s time for INEC to take responsibility for their failures and ensure that future elections are credible and transparent.
“INEC must get its act together: No more excuses, no more failures. INEC needs to demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections.
“Accountability is key: INEC officials involved in electoral malpractices must be held accountable. Transparency is essential: Electronic transmission of results must be implemented effectively to prevent manipulation.
“It’s time for INEC to redeem its integrity and ensure that the people’s votes count. Anything less is unacceptable.”
On his part, Onyebuchi Igboke, the Project Manager of Advocacy Partnership for Good Governance and Convener, Office of the Citizens, told DAILY POST that the electoral commission should be for persons of integrity.
Igboke particularly noted that the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu dashed the hope of many Nigerians contrary to his promise to transmit presidential election results in real time.
According to him, the electoral system in Nigeria should be reformed, suggesting that the power of the President to appoint the INEC chairman be removed.
He said: “INEC as an institution should be manned only by persons who have integrity. From what was observed from the last election, the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu dashed the hope of Nigerians, especially young Nigerians.
“He made a promise severally before the 2023 presidential election to transmit results electronically, not just the transmission of results but in real time.
“However, everyone was disappointed how the results for the presidential election weren’t transmitted as he promised.
“I totally agree with what the former President Olusegun Obasanjo said about the institution lacking in integrity. In a sane clime, the INEC chairman should have resigned after the event of the 2022 general election.
“In the recent off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo, Ondo, and Edo states, we saw what happened. Is that what we wish to have as an election?
“Election is a serious business because it gives people the opportunity to recruit individuals who will manage their resources, lead them into prosperity, and solve their problems.
“Electioneering in Nigeria should be reformed. This should begin by removing the power of the President to even appoint the INEC chairman.”
Last week, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo harped on the urgent need for reform and strengthening of the nation’s electoral process.
Obasanjo specifically called for the dismissal of the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at all levels for electoral integrity.
The erstwhile President spoke at the weekend via a recorded video address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, saying the electoral system reform is now among the top targets for change in Nigeria.
Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians must ensure that the INEC chairman and his staff were thoroughly vetted, adding that the vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“As a matter of urgency, we must make sure the INEC chairperson and his or her staff are thoroughly vetted. The vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“Nigeria must ensure the appointment of new credible INEC leadership at the federal, state, local government and municipal – city, town, and village levels – with short tenures – to prevent undesirable political influence and corruption, and re-establish trust in the electoral systems by its citizens.
“The INEC chairperson must not only be absolutely above board, he must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” he said.
Obasanjo pointed that INEC failed to implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal during the 2023.
“These technologies were touted by the INEC chairman himself. In the end, these technologies did not fail. INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them which resulted in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the hen house,” Obasanjo stated.
However, the Presidency took issue with Obasanjo’s critique of the INEC.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday accused him of hypocrisy given his administration’s alleged role in organising what it described as the “most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.”
“It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Onanuga wrote
DAILY POST reports that the call comes fresh from the divided opinions and controversies that trailed the outcome of the 2023 general elections, including the recently held off cycle elections in Kogi and Edo states.
DAILY POST also recalls that the alleged non-compliance with the 2022 electoral law by INEC was one of the grounds on which the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, challenged the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.
Although Atiku and Obi lost their petitions at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court, respectively, they had argued that INEC did not follow the provisions of the 2022 electoral act and its own rules in conducting the election.
The duo maintained that INEC breached its regulations and guidelines by not prescribing and deploying technological devices for voter accreditation, verification, continuation, and authentication as required.
However, DAILY POST reported that the Supreme Court particularly acknowledged that the non-functioning of the Result Viewing (IReV) portal of the Electoral Commission may reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process.
“Truth must be told, the non-functioning of the IReV may also reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process,” Justice John Okoro said while delivering the lead judgment in the appeal by the PDP presidential candidate Atiku.
Recently, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said the “gross flaws” and “manipulations” in the Edo governorship election were sufficient reason for the country to have radical and comprehensive electoral reforms.
Amadi had earlier in post on X suggested that anyone dreaming of becoming president in 2027 is not serious without disbanding INEC.
Amadi’s statement comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared the All Progressives Congress, APC’s Monday Okpebholo as winner of the Edo State governorship election last September.
“Anyone thinking of being the President of Nigeria in 2027 and not thinking of disbanding this @inecnigeria is not serious,” he posted on X.
But speaking further at a press conference recently in Abuja, he stated that the performance of the INEC in Edo did not inspire confidence that it would do better in the then forthcoming Ondo election.
“There were allegations election results were manipulated.
“The INEC leadership has assured that they will avoid the mistakes of Edo,” he said.
“There is no reason to trust that they would act honestly to uphold electoral integrity in Ondo.
“The second issue is the procedure of result collation in Edo. We have read reports of forensic reviews of observer groups. We see clearly that the result declared by INEC differs materially from the results uploaded in the IREV.
“This inconsistency is damaging to the integrity of the elections. Furthermore, INEC is issuing certified copies of results that are different from what it has uploaded on the IREV.
“This is alarming. It does not assure us of the integrity of future elections,” he said.
Speaking to DAILY POST, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.
Odo opined that the electoral body’s excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing.
He stressed that INEC must get its act together and demonstrate strong commitment to free and fair elections.
“INEC’s integrity is once again under fire, and I’m fed up with their constant failures. Like former President Obasanjo’s criticism, I agree that INEC’s lack of integrity, especially in electronic transmission of results, is alarming.
“The recent governorship election in Edo State was a critical test for INEC, and from what I’ve seen, they’ve failed miserably.
“Their inability to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process is appalling. The manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.
“The fact that some parties didn’t even submit polling and collation agents, yet they’re participating in the election, is a joke.
“The electronic transmission of results is not rocket science, but INEC has made it seem like an insurmountable task. Their excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing. It’s time for INEC to take responsibility for their failures and ensure that future elections are credible and transparent.
“INEC must get its act together: No more excuses, no more failures. INEC needs to demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections.
“Accountability is key: INEC officials involved in electoral malpractices must be held accountable. Transparency is essential: Electronic transmission of results must be implemented effectively to prevent manipulation.
“It’s time for INEC to redeem its integrity and ensure that the people’s votes count. Anything less is unacceptable.”
Credit: DAILY POST
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