The sack of political appointees by Zamfara Governor, Bello
Matawalle has fueled speculation that he is set to dump the People’s Democratic
Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
On Tuesday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Bala
Bello and all 23 commissioners were fired.
A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Zailani Bappa also
announced the sack of Chief of Staff, Bala Mande, his Deputy Bashir Maru, all
heads, chairmen and members of commissions, boards and agencies.
Matawalle’s planned move is causing disquiet in the camp of former Governor, Abdulaziz Yari and former Zamfara Central Senator Kabir Marafa.
The battle between the duo ahead of the 2019 general
elections caused the loss of the state to the PDP.
The parallel primaries they conducted was one of the reasons
cited by the Supreme Court for giving victory to PDP candidates in the poll,
including the governor.
In February 2021, the APC national leadership led by Yobe
Governor, Mai Buni brokered peace, which led to the Yari-Marafa reconciliation
Sources say Matawalle faces stiff opposition from Yari, who
governed the state for eight years and is regarded as APC leader.
On many occasions, his successor accused him of massive
corruption and failure to crush banditry.
In May 2020, Matawalle commended the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC) for exposing Chinese nationals who tried to block
investigations of a shoddy contract.
The anti-graft agency had, in a sting operation, arrested
Messrs Meng Wei Kun and Xu Koi for offering a bribe to stop the probe of China
Zhonghao Nig. Ltd, their employers.
The firm, according to the EFCC, mishandled N50 billion
contracts awarded by the Yari administration between 2012 to 2019.
But Matawalle said he is still consulting, adding that he
never told anyone he had plans to defect.
“There is nobody that I told I am moving to any party. But
as someone who is well-groomed in politics, it is only fair to intimate my
people about overtures towards me to seek their opinions,” he told Daily Trust.
If the Zamfara helmsman eventually defects, he would be the
third governor to join the APC since late 2020.
Ebony Governor Dave Umahi and his Cross River counterpart,
Ben Ayade dumped the PDP despite initial denials.
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