…commends Matawalle’s large heart, love for President Tinubu’s success above personal interest

The Northern APC Peace Agenda has commended the political reconciliation between Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, describing their alliance under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a stabilising development ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna and signed by its president, Alhaji Rabiu Ahmad, the group said Matawalle’s decision to forgo any governorship ambition and back Lawal reflects political maturity and a broader commitment to unity within the ruling party.

Matawalle, who currently serves as minister of state for defence, had publicly declared that he would not contest the 2027 governorship election, throwing his weight behind Lawal during a high-profile reception marking the governor’s defection to the APC in Gusau.

Lawal’s move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC effectively realigns Zamfara’s political landscape, bringing both the incumbent and former governors into the same political fold.

The reception, attended by top party figures including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, underscored the significance of the development for the APC’s electoral calculations in the north-west region.

Reacting to the development, Ahmad said the reconciliation signals a rare moment of political responsibility and strategic foresight in a region often defined by intense rivalries.

“The coming together of Governor Dauda Lawal and former Governor Bello Matawalle under one political platform represents a turning point for Zamfara State,” Ahmad said.

“This is not just a political alignment; it is a demonstration of maturity, restraint, and a shared commitment to the stability and progress of the state. At a time when political divisions often undermine governance, this reconciliation sends a powerful message that unity can be prioritised over personal ambition.”

He added that Matawalle’s decision to step aside for Lawal underscores the “large heart” and a clear prioritisation of national interest and party cohesion.

“We commend former governor Matawalle for placing the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration above personal political considerations,” the statement reads.

“Such a decision reflects loyalty, discipline, and an understanding that the strength of the party and the country must come before individual aspirations. This is the kind of leadership that inspires confidence and strengthens democratic institutions.”

The Northern APC Peace Agenda further noted that the development could reshape political dynamics in Zamfara and the wider north-west region if sustained.

“This alignment has the potential to reset the political trajectory of Zamfara State. With both past and present leadership working together, there is now an opportunity to deepen governance, strengthen grassroots mobilisation, and deliver meaningful development to the people. We believe this unity, if maintained, will not only benefit Zamfara but also contribute to broader stability within the region,” Ahmad said.

The group also described Lawal’s defection as a pragmatic move that aligns the state more closely with the centre, potentially improving policy coordination and access to federal support.

Top APC figures have similarly welcomed the development. The party’s national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, said the APC continues to attract leaders committed to governance and national development.

The Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (CCST), Maj.-Gen. Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, has commenced a two-day conference aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and service delivery in support of Nigerian Army missions.

The conference, with the theme “Optimising ST Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to Nigerian Army Operations in All Missions,” began on Tuesday at the Muhammadu Buhari Auditorium, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Benin City, Edo State.

Shagaya said the conference was designed to review the Corps’ performance in ongoing military operations and provide a platform for strategic reflection, institutional learning, and collective problem-solving.

He noted that the forum would enable commanders to exchange ideas, assess operational realities, evaluate emerging challenges, and develop strategies to strengthen logistics support in a dynamic security environment.

“The contemporary operational landscape in which the Nigerian Army operates is increasingly complex and multidimensional,” he said.

“Modern military operations are characterised by fluid threat dynamics, technological evolution, and heightened demands on operational sustainability. In such an environment, the role of logistics has become even more critical.”

The CCST added that the conference would facilitate frank and professional engagement among senior officers to review operational commitments, examine institutional challenges, and explore innovative approaches to improve efficiency.

He urged participants to approach discussions with professionalism and a shared commitment to strengthening the Corps’ effectiveness.

Earlier, the Commandant of NASST, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Olatunde Adegbite, said the conference would provide an avenue for interaction between the Corps Commander, field commanders, and senior officers on achieving the Nigerian Army’s mission.

Adegbite said the engagement aligns with the Corps’ command philosophy of developing a highly proficient Supply and Transport Corps capable of efficiently supporting the Army in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.

He added that the conference would promote knowledge sharing, address operational challenges, and enhance service delivery.

Highlights of the event include the commissioning of a Soldiers’ Dining Hall, a remodeled NASST Driving Simulation Centre, the unveiling of Col. I. Taiwo Crescent, and a group photograph.

The conference will also feature a Pulling-Out Ceremony and Gala Night in honour of retired generals of the Corps on March 26.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Grace Ike, has been described as a transformative leader in the media profession as she marks her birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, a former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Evelyn Onyilo, commended Ike for breaking barriers and redefining leadership within the union.

Onyilo noted that Ike made history as the first female chairman of the NUJ FCT Council in over four decades, describing her emergence as a significant milestone for women in journalism.

She said Ike’s tenure had been marked by remarkable achievements, particularly in infrastructural development and the welfare of members, adding that her leadership had also strengthened participation and unity within the union.

“Her tenure has witnessed unprecedented development and effective mobilisation of members to actively participate in the affairs of the union, making her a foremost transformative leader of our era,” Onyilo said.

The publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine further described Ike as a media icon of immense value, praying for greater accomplishments, good health, and continued success in her leadership journey.

Onyilo congratulated Ike on her birthday and wished her many more years of impactful service.