Absent-Mindedness and Human Stupidity: The Case of Abubakar Matawalle

By Suleiman Abbah

Stupidity is a concept that has puzzled and fascinated philosophers, psychologists, and ordinary people for centuries. It is not just a lack of intelligence or knowledge, but a complex array of behaviors and decisions that defy logic and reason. Human stupidity can be categorized into distinct groups, with the most puzzling being individuals who harm themselves and others due to their nonsensical decisions.

One of the most frustrating aspects of stupidity is when individuals display behaviors that are clearly illogical and harmful. We see this in the blind devotion of some to politicians or ideologies that are clearly damaging to their own interests. The root causes of such stupidity often lie in inherent flaws such as arrogance, self-delusion, persistent ignorance, and absent-mindedness. 

Abubakar Matawalle, the self-proclaimed secretary of Voice of Zamfara, serves as a poignant case study in the realm of human stupidity. His fervent defense of protests against Minister of State for Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle highlights the blind loyalty and stubbornness often associated with such behavior. Abubakar Matawalle's attempts to justify these protests by revising history to suit certain political agendas are not only nonsensical but also harmful.

His blind devotion to his paymasters and his willingness to spread falsehoods and provoke conflict reflect a disturbing lack of critical thinking and rationality. His actions not only harm himself but also contribute to the propagation of harmful narratives and divisiveness within society. 

The behavior exhibited by Abubakar Matawalle serves as a stark reminder of the damaging potential of human stupidity. By aligning himself with divisive and destructive forces, he exemplifies the irrationality and harmful nature of blind loyalty and flawed reasoning. His actions underscore the importance of recognizing and challenging such behavior in order to prevent further harm and promote critical thinking within society.

In his efforts to justify the protests, Abubakar Matawalle shamefully attempts to revise history to suit certain agendas of his paymasters like Aminu Sani Jaji sponsored by the Governor Dauda Lawal's administration which has acquired the reputation of being the worst in the history of Zamfara State in terms of any capacity to generate credible goals.

In his misguided efforts to defend these protests, Abubakar Matawalle conveniently ignores the pivotal role played by Bello Matawalle in the 2023 elections. Bello Matawalle's relentless efforts to mobilize the Northern populace in support of Bola Tinubu were instrumental in bringing about positive change in the region. 

Abubakar Matawalle did this by disregarding the fact that it was Bello Matawalle who fought against significant odds to ensure the North-West votes overwhelmingly went to Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress and combined with those from other parts of the nation to comprehensively reject the Peoples Democratic Party, a party that had run its course. 

Abubakar seemed to have forgotten the pivotal role played by Bello Matawalle, the Zonal Coordinator of the Tinubu campaign for the North-West, in the 2023 elections. Matawalle's efforts were nothing short of extraordinary as he tirelessly worked to mobilize the Northern populace to come out and vote for change. His selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to the Tinubu cause represented a turning point in the fight against poor governance, indifference, and corruption that had plagued the nation throughout the PDP years.

From Sokoto to Kano, Katsina to Jigawa, Bello Matawalle galvanized Northern groups and political elites to unite in support of Tinubu and a better future. The people, especially the poor, young, and women, responded to the Bello Matawalle pull and rejected the culture of receiving handouts in exchange for their votes and instead chose to empower themselves by electing Tinubu who would prioritize their security and prosperity.

The success of President Tinubu in the North-West was a testament to Bello Matawalle's leadership and the triumph of popular will over deaperate attempts to manipulate it. 

Despite facing criticism and unwarranted attacks from such detractors as Jaji and attack dogs as Abubakar, Matawalle remained a beacon of respect, integrity, and decency. His dignified response to their accusations and provocations only served to highlight his unwavering commitment to serving the people and upholding the values of good governance.

It is unfortunate that despite Matawalle's exemplary conduct, there are those like Jaji and Abubakar who continue to spread falsehoods and attempt to provoke him into reacting. These individuals have thrown every accusation imaginable at the Defence Minister, yet he has maintained his composure and refused to be drawn into unnecessary conflicts.

Bello Matawalle's resilience in the face of such adversity is a testament to his character and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society. As he continues to lead the Defence Ministry with grace and humility, his supporters stand by him, unwavering in their loyalty and admiration for a leader who embodies the values of respect, integrity, and compassion.

On the other hand, the kind of behavior exhibited by Abubakar in the service of his paymasters can only be described as nonsensical and harmful to both himself and others and a classic example of how stupidity can drive individuals to make decisions that are clearly irrational and harmful.

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, individuals like Abubakar Matawalle persist in their misguided beliefs and actions, causing harm to themselves and their masters in the process. Their inability to see beyond their own biases and agendas highlights the irrationality and damaging nature of human stupidity.

In the grand scheme of things, Abubakar Matawalle's actions may seem inconsequential, but they serve as a stark reminder of the power of stupidity to cloud our judgment and lead us astray. It is a sobering reflection of the human capacity for irrationality and folly, despite all our advances in knowledge and technology.

In conclusion, the case of Abubakar Matawalle sheds light on the complexities of human folly and the potential harm that can arise from blind devotion and flawed reasoning. As we navigate the challenges of modern society, it is crucial that we remain vigilant against the influence of stupidity and strive towards greater rationality and critical thinking in our actions and decisions. By doing so, we can work towards a more enlightened and harmonious society, free from the damaging consequences of irrational behavior and misguided beliefs. It ibs up to us to recognize and challenge the influence of stupidity in our lives, before it leads us down a path of self-destruction and harm.

Journalist gets training on conflict sensitive reporting

 

Journalists during training

By Editor

In a bid to adapt to evolving conflict dynamics exacerbated by social media and ensure more responsible reporting, journalists in Jos, Plateau State, underwent a comprehensive one-day workshop on Conflict-sensitive Reporting for Media Practitioners.

The workshop, facilitated by Peace Action for Rapid, Transformative Nigerian Early Response (PARTNER), a USAID-funded program by Mercy Corps, aimed to equip media practitioners with the necessary skills to incorporate conflict sensitivity guidance into their reporting with participants drawn from the plateau Peace Media Network

Danjuma Saidu Dawup, the Chief of Party for PARTNER, emphasized the need to recognize the changing context and dynamics of various communities, especially in light of social media's influence on conflict dynamics. He stressed that conflicts often spill from online spaces will ripple effects on offline dynamics, either exacerbating tensions or fostering peace, underscoring the importance of collaboration between media and peace-building organizations.

The training sought to foster a symbiotic relationship between media and peace-building initiatives, allowing for the dissemination of peace messages to a wider audience. Dawup expressed expectations that the media would utilize their platforms to reach communities beyond the scope of traditional interventions, leveraging their influence to promote peace.

Chrysantus Lapang, the Mercy Corps' Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) Technical Manager for the PARTNER project, highlighted the critical role of journalists in conflict prevention and resolution. He emphasized the importance of understanding conflict sensitivity and underlining indicators, as journalists serve as primary communicators to the public.

Lapang emphasized that journalists play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and behavior through their reporting. By adopting conflict-sensitive reporting practices, journalists can help alleviate tensions and create an environment conducive to peaceful conflict resolution.

Furthermore, Lapang underscored the role of journalists in early warning and response, noting that their timely and accurate reporting can prevent misinformation and disinformation from fueling violence. He emphasized the need for journalists to report on early warning indicators, enabling authorities to address potential conflicts before they escalate.

The workshop provided journalists with valuable insights and tools to navigate the complex landscape of conflict reporting, with a focus on promoting peace, understanding, and responsible journalism. Also encouraging collaborative efforts between media practitioners and peace-building.

Kebbi govt. provides land to FHA for construction of 500 housing units

By Editor

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has provided land to the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) for the construction of five hundred (500) housing units for civil servants in the state.

The Governor disclosed this on Thursday when he received the Managing Director/CEO Federal Housing Authority Abuja, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji-Ojo who was in Government House on a courtesy visit.

He added that his administration would provide an enabling environment for them to provide a beautiful and befitting housing estate for the workers.

"My administration promised to give quality houses for the civil servants in the state, I am ready to collaborate with the federdal housing authority and any financial institution that will bring changes and development to my administration and give my people a sense of belonging," he said.

The governor applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the course of renewed hope agenga and his strive to ensure smooth democratic process in the country.

Dr Idris assured the team that his administration would pay for the land compensation and promised to give any other necessary support required.

Responding, the Managing Director/CEO federal housing authority, Mr Oyetunde Oladimeji-Ojo commended the governor for embarking on developmental projects that had direct bearing to the lives of people of the state.

The Managing Director who was accompanied by the permanent Secretary Ministry of Land and Housing TPL Abubakar Ahmed said that the essence of the visit was to seek collaboration with the state government and any financial institution to provide housing units to the workers.

"The visitation that I embarked on across the country is part of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's renewed hope agenda targeted at providing dividends of democracy to the people. We want to choose Kebbi state for a grand ceremony where Mr president will flag-off the programme" he added.

He then thanked the governor for the worthm reception accorded them since they arrived Kebbi state.

Those in attendance are the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government Yakubu Bala-Tafida, Head of Service Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, Hon. Commissioner for finance, Alhaji Abubakar Chika, Hon. Commissioner Environment Musa Tunbulawa, and the permanent secretary ministry of land and Housing TPL Abubakar Ahmed who lead the team for the assessment.

Seat of God FC Not Disbanded- Management

By Editor

The attention of the management of the Seat of God FC has been drawn to a malicious and unsubstantiated news making the rounds as being peddled by enemies of the club that the club has been disbanded.

The information is not true and certainly the greatest of lies from the pit of hell to tarnish the image of the club and draw it into the mud by such rumours.

For the records, the Seat of God FC has not been disbanded and there is no such plan either now or in the future to disband it.

Recall that the Seat of God FC has played consistently the Nationwide League One (NLO) for the past four seasons.

We therefore call on the good people of Kaduna State, the management of the NLO and Nigerians to disregard such malicious rumour as it is the opinion and imaginations of the peddlers.

 

For the record,  the management only addressed the players,coaches and other crew at the end of the season to take a short break to allow the management take proper assessment of the 2024 NLO season and how the team has performed  and come up with ways of making it better preparatory to the 2025NLO season.

The Seat of God FC is still intact and will resume preparations for the next season after the break stronger and more focused to get promotion to the NNL by the grace of God.

We implore you all to disregard the rumour of disbandment in its entirety as there is no element of truth in it.

Yoruba youths ask Tinubu to sack Chief of Naval Staff over allegations against him

Passes vote of no confidence on Ogalla

By Editor

The Yoruba Youth Council, YYC, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Emmanuel Ogalla for allegations of supporting oil thieves levelled against him.

Besides, it passed a vote of no confidence on Ogalla, and called on the President to order a thorough investigation of the CNS, in view of what it described as recurring allegations of large-scale corruption and support for oil theft syndicates against him.

In a statement on Sunday by its National President Comrade Eric Oluwole, the coalition, which is an umbrella body of Yoruba youths nationwide, accused the CNS of sabotaging the President's efforts against oil theft in view of allegations levelled against him.

The coalition spoke against the backdrop of allegations by another group of Nigerians of large-scale corruption and involvement in procurement fraud and contract splitting, in violation of the Procurement Act against the CNS.

That group in January had levelled the allegations against the CNS in a petition to the Fedral Government  Tunubu led administration, who had vowed the administration's zero tolerance for corruption.

The YYC said that it was disturbed that allegations were still flying around that the CNS is sabotaging Mr President's efforts in fighting oil theft.

For instance, it said there are allegations that a ship recently arrested by private security for oil theft was released to its owners after series of agitation by stakeholders; and that tank vessels were being allowed to evacuate or dilute exhibit in the name of taking samples, which ideally are taken in small bottles for laboratory tests.

The YYC said it gathered that the President had ordered the re-arrest of the said ship and sanctioned full investigation. 

It named the vessels involved in the alleged recent oil theft incident tagged MT PRESITGOUS AT BONNY ANCHORAGE.

Oluwole said: "It is in view of these disturbing allegations, and a strongly-worded petition to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January that we the YYC call on the President to sack the CNS and order a full-scale probe into his activities while in office.

"We are fully in support of the ongoing efforts of the President and his administration to fight head-on oil theft, and stop its long-term bleeding of the Nigerian economy. 

"Therefore we call on the President to remove any stumbling block on his path to successfully fight this monster called oil theft which he inherited, and sanitise the entire oil sector."

A group of concerned Nigerians comprising of lawyers, human rights activists and anti-corruption crusaders, had in January petitioned Federal Government expressing concerns over some allegations against the CNS.

According to their petition: “At a time when the country is grappling with significant revenue losses due to crude oil theft, it is distressing to discover that the Chief of Naval Staff, whose primary responsibility it is to safeguard Nigeria’s waterways against oil theft and other forms of criminality, is allegedly colluding with the perpetrators of these heinous crimes against the Nigerian state.”

Hardship: Financial institutions, others ready to grant business loans to corps members - NYSC DG

From AbdulGaniyu Alabi


With the country facing economic hardship and graduates finding it difficult to secure white collar jobs, the Director General (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed has stated that  financial institutions and other stakeholders are prepared to grant soft loans to corps members start businesses.



The Director General made this known while fielding questions from journalists shortly after the orientation closing ceremony for Batch A Stream 2 Corps members in Kaduna. 


The Director General who charged the corps members to utilize the skills they acquired during the orientation course, stating that  “the scheme is in collaboration with so many stakeholders that are prepared to give them( corps members) soft loans to start businesses.

“Our hopes and prayer is that the corps members should not be waiting for job after service. They should be able to have something they can hold on and be independent”,he added.

General Ahmed however urge the corps members avoid embarking on unnecessary journeys capable of jeopardizing their lives. “If they must travel, they must not embark on night journey because traveling at night poses danger to the corps members.”

In his remarks, the kaduna state’s NYSC coordinator, Mr Hassan Taura also urged the corps members “to take part in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) post- camp training. Locate your trainers with the help of your Local Government Inspectors and perfect the skills you have chosen in the camp. It will definitely empower you to be self- reliant. I have no doubt, that you are fully equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to tackle various challenges during your Primary Assignment.”


Meanwhile, the Governor of the state, Mallam Uba Sani in his remark urged the corps members   posted to various places of primary assignment across communities in kaduna  to embrace the “values of selflessness, patriotism, and community development. You are ambassadors of peace and progress, tasked with bridging cultural and socioeconomic divides.”

Oil theft: Overhaul Naval High command, Ohanaeze youths urge Tinubu

 

By Editor

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has called for a thorough overhaul of the Naval high command.

It said the call became necessary in view of endless allegations of oil theft in the Niger Delta region despite the huge presence of naval officials. 

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, he said there were disturbing allegations of high calibre oil theft still ongoing in the Niger Delta region. 

According to Okwu, only a few days ago, there were allegations “that on 3rd of May, 2024, MT MONTAGU went alongside MT PRESTIGIUOS and discharged 104,4033 BBL of crude. The crude was loaded from MT BYRANSTON Stationed at NEWCROSS Facility SAN BARTH OML 24 Marginal oil field. 

“MT MONTAGU only discharged into MT PRESTIGIUOS and did not take away any product from her. 

“The ship was arrested by private security and it was released by the naval officials who said they were acting on orders from above, after a series of agitation by stakeholders.

“Even when there was a counter order that the ship be re-arrested, the navy officials allowed another Tank vessel to either evacuate the exhibit or dilute it, in the name of taking samples, which ideally should be taken in a small bottle for lab test. What was the vessel doing there as shown in one of the pictures.”

Okwu, who said it appeared the naval officials were sabotaging the Federal Government’s efforts to ramp up oil production, said the avowed promise by President Tinubu rid the country of corruption must be demonstrated through the immediate overhaul of the naval high command. 

While re-calling the group’s support to President Tinubu during the 2023 general elections, he said Nigerians were going through excruciating pains whereas a few individuals were living in opulence.

He said, “we are alarmed, like many other Nigerians, over what is going on in the Niger Delta region. 

“We stand for zero tolerance for corruption and support for the growth of the economy and total support for the Tinubu-led Federal Government’s anti-corruption fight.”

“Based on the allegations we have sighted as narrated, we call for the sack of the Naval hierarchy, starting from the Chief of Naval Staff under whose watch the officials have been unable to tame oil thieves.

“However, we urge Mr President to appoint another Igbo man as his replacement.

“This is the only way to restore sanity to the oil production chain,” Okwu added.