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Political War Erupts as Kwankwaso Rubbishes Marafa’s Call to Sack Matawalle

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The Director of Finance and Administration of the Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Authority, Hon. Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has dismissed as futile the call by former Senator Kabiru Marafa for the removal of Dr. Bello Matawalle as Minister of Defence, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully satisfied with Matawalle’s performance.

Kwankwaso made the remark while addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, describing Marafa’s demand as unfortunate, baseless and driven by personal bitterness, and stressing that it would not influence the President’s decision.

He said it was disturbing that a politician from the same state as the minister, Zamfara, would publicly attack Matawalle despite the minister’s commitment to national service.

“I was truly shocked when I heard the comments of former Senator Kabiru Marafa calling for the removal of the Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, even going as far as fabricating lies and false allegations against him. These statements are clearly driven by confusion and jealousy, and Mr. President will never accept them from enemies hiding behind criticism,” Kwankwaso said.

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Hon. Kwankwaso further argued that Marafa lacks the moral standing to speak on security matters, citing a controversial traditional title allegedly linked to criminal elements within Marafa’s immediate circle.

“Besides jealousy and bitterness, Marafa has no justification to speak on security issues. A close relative of his senior brother was said to have been involved in helping to confer a traditional leadership title on the notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero, in Yandoto. It was during Dr. Bello Matawalle’s tenure as governor that the title was subsequently suspended. So I ask: if he truly has a conscience, does he really have the right to speak on security?” he queried.

 

Kwankwaso also recalled past political comments credited to Marafa, in which the former senator reportedly vowed to defeat President Tinubu politically, questioning the sincerity of his present demand.

“Not long ago, Marafa openly said he would defeat Tinubu and cause him a one-million-vote loss. Now the same person who once wished the President’s failure is calling on the President to remove someone who is working for the success of his administration. That contradiction exposes the real motive behind these attacks,” he added.

 

He maintained that President Tinubu’s confidence in Dr. Matawalle remains firm, noting that no amount of pressure, manipulation or political jealousy would force the President to act against his judgment.

In his concluding remarks, Kwankwaso cautioned Northerners against what he described as a growing culture of destructive rivalry and bitterness, where individuals seek the downfall of others simply because they have lost political relevance.

He warned that those currently calling for Matawalle’s removal might be the same people who would later accuse the President of marginalising the North should he appoint someone else from outside the region.

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Dangote Cement Deploys AI, Telematics to Enhance Transport Safety

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Dangote Cement Transport has scaled up series of impactful, and technology backed programmes designed to improve performance, governance and compliance to road safety.

A statement from the Branding and Communications Department of the company said the enhanced programmes cover key operational areas, including performance metrics, strengthened governance standards, and improved accountability frameworks.

It further noted that the programmes also extend to comprehensive driver training and competency development, technology-enabled safety systems, journey management protocols, and regular recertification processes.

Other components include mandatory drug screening, strategic partnerships and collaborations, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, sustainability programmes, and community impact programmes, among others.

The statement signed by the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, recalled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had recently commended the company for its proactive safety programmes, which have contributed to reducing road traffic crashes across the country.

The statement quoted Head of Transport of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, as saying that the company has upscaled its transport management systems through the deployment of automated inspection technologies and artificial intelligence-driven solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and road safety.

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Mr. Silva said the company has since deployed enhanced GPS and telematics systems for real-time monitoring of driver behaviour during transit, strengthening oversight and operational safety across its fleet.

He added that, in a bid to combat driver fatigue, the company has increased its wellness campaign, while also engaging in a series of stakeholder fora with third-party truck operators and drivers to reinforce safety awareness, compliance, and responsibility on the road.

Mr. Sliva said the company’s collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is already yielding positive results, noting that the partnership has continued to strengthen safety standards across its operations.

He added that FRSC officials are actively involved in the training and screening of drivers at the Dangote Articulated Vehicle Driving School in Obajana, where they provide technical guidance, enforce compliance with best practices, and support the development of highly competent and safety-conscious drivers.

According to him, the percentage of drivers undergoing structured training, drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic recertification, has increased significantly, describing the growth as “astronomical.”

According to him, between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, recorded significant improvements in its safety compliance measures, with drug and alcohol testing increasing by 245.2 per cent, pre-trip vehicle inspections rising by 489.1 per cent, and driver training programmes expanding by 128.4 per cent.

Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, had commended the company for setting new standards in road safety management and urged it to sustain the reforms that have continued to improve safety across Nigeria’s transport sector.

The Corps Marshal stated that comparatively between 2025 and 2026, road crashes involving trucks belonging to the Dangote Cement Plc declined by 56 per cent, while fatal cases decreased by 36 per cent and injuries dropped significantly by 52 per cent.

He said the improvement has shown that the company has implemented its Gap Analysis, and company policies worthy of emulation by all logistics companies in Africa.

“We have always said that if Dangote Cement get its right, Nigeria and Africa, will get it right. This is a plus for Nigeria,” he said.

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Yusuf Muhammad Kawu Emerges as APM Candidate for Nassarawa Constituency

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Ambassador Yusuf Muhammad Kawu has officially secured the ticket of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Nassarawa Federal Constituency in Kano State.

In a statement released to his supporters and the general public, Kawu expressed gratitude and optimism, describing his emergence as a reflection of his commitment to serve with dedication, integrity, and a clear vision for progress.

“This victory is a testament to my commitment to serve our people with dedication, integrity, and a clear vision for progress,” he said. He further appealed to constituents for their support and votes in the forthcoming election, pledging that their mandate would be his responsibility and their pride.

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Kawu emphasized that his candidacy is driven by a desire to build a stronger and more prosperous Nassarawa Constituency, promising inclusive representation and development-focused leadership.

The Allied Peoples Movement, though relatively smaller compared to Nigeria’s dominant political parties, has been steadily gaining ground in various constituencies, positioning itself as an alternative platform for candidates seeking to challenge the status quo.

As campaigns intensify ahead of the general elections, Kawu’s emergence sets the stage for what could be a competitive race in Nassarawa Constituency.

 

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Veteran Broadcaster And Ex-MD ARTV, Radio Kano Adamu Getso Dies At 75

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Former Managing Director of Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV) and the Kano State Radio Corporation, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, is dead.

The veteran broadcaster reportedly passed away on Saturday at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness.

A native of Getso town in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, the late media administrator was widely respected for his significant contributions to broadcasting, public communication, and information dissemination in Kano State.

During his distinguished career, Getso served as Managing Director of Abubakar Rimi Television during the first tenure of former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso between 1999 and 2003. He later headed the Kano State Radio Corporation during Kwankwaso’s second tenure as governor.

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The late broadcaster earned widespread recognition through his role in anchoring popular Hausa-language programmes, including Hukuma da Jama’a (Government and the People) and Aiki Sai Mai Shi, which focused on government policies, public affairs, and development programmes.

Colleagues and admirers described him as a dedicated professional who used the media as a platform for public enlightenment and civic engagement.

His contributions to the growth of public broadcasting in Kano and his commitment to promoting government-citizen communication earned him respect across the media industry and beyond.

Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and other relatives.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.

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