# Bello Matawalle

Bello Muhammad popularly known as Bello Matawalle (born 12 February 1962) is a Nigerian politician and teacher who has served as the minister of state for defence since 2023. He previously served as the governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.
After briefly serving in the Abacha-era state house of assembly and serving as a state commissioner from 1999 to 2003 in the Ahmad Sani Yerima administration in the Fourth Republic, he first won an elected office in 2003 as a member of the House of Representatives for Bakura/Maradun and retained the office until 2015 first as a member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party before switching to the People's Democratic Party in 2011. Four years after losing his Bakura/Maradun Constituency seat in 2015, Matawalle became the 2019 PDP gubernatorial nominee and won the office after a Supreme Court ruling disqualified the original winner. In 2021, he defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress after a defection rally in Gusau alongside most Zamfara State elected officials.

## Early life and education

Bello Muhammad was born 12 February 1969, in Maradun, which at the time was in the North-Western State. He obtained First School Leaving Certificate from Maradun Township Primary School in 1979. He graduated from VTC Bunza in 1984. He attended Yaba College of Technology, Lagos and later went to Thames Valley University, London.

## Political career

Matawalle worked as a teacher at Government Girls College, Moriki and Kwatarkoshi before joining the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. Matawalle's first shot in politics was in 1998 when he ran for a house of assembly seat and won after he left the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja, joining the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) which consisted of politicians such as Ambassador Isa Aliyu Mohammed Argungu (Sarkin Yakin Kabbi) former Minister of Water Resources and National Chairman of the party, Ibrahim Gusau former pro tem National Chairman of the party, Atiku Abubakar, Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila, Attahiru Bafarawa, Adamu Aliero, Suleiman Takuma, Ibrahim Kura Mohammed, Ibrahim Saminu Turaki and Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya but after the death of Sani Abacha, Nigerian Military Head of State on 8 June 1998, Abdulsalami Abubakar, his successor, dissolved the political parties and announced that elections would hold in 1999.
Between 1999 and 2003 he served as Zamfara State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Environment, Rural Development and then Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
Matawalle was elected into the House of Representatives by his constituents Bakura/Maradun in May 2003 on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
Matawalle was re-elected in 2007 still on the platform of the ANPP only to defect to PDP on which platform he was re-elected for a third term in 2011.
Matawalle polled 189,452 in the March polls as against the 534,541 votes for Muktar Idris, the APC candidate.
Muktar Idris was at first, issued the certificate of return, however, the court of appeal in Sokoto ordered that the INEC should withdraw the certificate.
The Supreme Court later pronounced that the votes cast for the APC in the election as wasted and ordered that the candidate with the second highest votes be sworn in on Wednesday. This is because the APC failed to conduct primary election for all the candidates in Zamfara State.

### Defection to APC

On 1 June 2021, Matawalle dissolved his Executive Council, reportedly in preparation for a party switch to the APC set to happen around June 12. Matawalle however, denied that the cabinet dissolution was connected to a party switch and claimed to have not made a decision on changing parties nor set a date.
On 27 June, President Muhammadu Buhari's Personal Media aide Bashir Ahmad said Matawalle had joined the APC. The party switch was later confirmed by Matawalle's spokesperson Ibrahim Dosara, who said Matawalle would formally announce the defection on June 29. On June 29, Matawalle, along with all 3 Zamfara Senators, 6 of 7 Representatives, and all 24 House of Assembly members, officially switched to the APC at a rally in Gusau attended by other APC Governors; notably Deputy Governor Mahdi Mohammed Gusau and Anka/Mafara Representative Kabiru Yahaya remained in the PDP. Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State Governor and APC Caretaker Chairman, immediately dissolved all party caretaker committees in Zamfara State and appointed Matawalle as Zamfara APC Leader.

## Major Achievements as a Governor

Bello Mohammed Matawalle's tenure as Governor of Zamfara State is marked by significant investment in infrastructure, security, and healthcare, leaving a tangible legacy of development. While his time in office faced considerable challenges, particularly regarding security, his administration implemented various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Zamfara's citizens. One of the most visible achievements under Matawalle's leadership was the significant advancement in infrastructure. He oversaw the construction of a new airport, a crucial step towards economic growth and improved connectivity for the state. His administration also invested heavily in road networks, expanding access to various parts of the state and facilitating trade and transportation. Beyond major projects, the construction of primary healthcare centers in all 147 wards demonstrates a commitment to improving access to essential healthcare services, even in remote areas. The installation of solar-powered street lights in the state capital further improved the quality of life for residents, enhancing safety and security. Further investment in infrastructure extended to the construction of liaison offices in Abuja and other strategic locations, showcasing an active engagement with the national government. His administration even invested in real estate, purchasing a hotel in Abuja as a state asset. Matawalle also prioritized security, a critical concern in Zamfara State. The purchase of over 200 Hilux vehicles and ambulances, alongside armoured vehicles and drones, significantly bolstered the state's security apparatus. Furthermore, his decisive action against notorious criminal elements, such as the operation targeting Halilu Sububu, resulted in improved security conditions across the region. This proactive approach to tackling security challenges demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Zamfara's citizens. His administration addressed long-standing financial issues, clearing backlogs in NECO and WAEC examination payments, a crucial step towards supporting education and the economic well-being of students and their families. The significant allocation of funds towards capital projects, despite budgetary constraints (N109,829,000,000 from a total revenue of N354 Billion), underlines the prioritization of development initiatives. Despite inherent challenges, Bello Mohammed Matawalle’s tenure as Governor of Zamfara State demonstrates a significant commitment to infrastructure development, security improvements, and enhanced access to healthcare. His investments in various sectors, ranging from airport construction to primary healthcare centers and security upgrades, indicate a concerted effort to uplift the living standards of Zamfara’s population and leave a lasting legacy of progress for the state. Bello Matawalle administration has so many achievements such as spent of 510 Million Naira on water treatment chemicals, extensive, Renovation of the Zamfara State House of Assembly costing over 842 million naira, Constructing of governor's lodge in Kaduna at 784 million naira, 253 million naira invested in digital equipment for state legacy newspaper, Electricity Installation, state liaison offices governor lodges, Emirs lodge in Kaduna and Gusau. He also constructed Zamfara State liaison office at Mississippi and Ganges Street Abuja, purchased Best Premier hotel in Wuse 2 Abuja as a State Investment. Completed a Digital World ICT Centre a Command and Control Room Centre for CCTV in Gusau. Rehabilated Kaura Namoda - Talatar Mafara - Tudun - Wada Gusau road and Invested over 203 Million naira to enhance water system across Zamfara State.

## Major Achievements as Minister of State Defence

Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle's appointment as Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence has been marked by significant achievements in the country's ongoing struggle against terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. His career, progressing from the National Assembly to the Governorship of Zamfara State and now to his current ministerial role, consistently demonstrates a commitment to effective leadership and impactful action. Matawalle's leadership style is characterized by a remarkable willingness to engage directly with the challenges at hand. Unlike many leaders who prefer to operate from the relative safety of their offices, he has immersed himself in the realities of the battlefield. This hands-on approach has served as a powerful morale booster for Nigerian troops, fostering a sense of direct government involvement and unwavering support. His presence on the frontline has not only shattered bureaucratic inertia but has also inspired soldiers to fight with renewed vigor, believing that their efforts are recognized and valued by their leader. This is evident in the significant successes recorded under his tenure. The statistics speak volumes. Under Matawalle's leadership, a substantial number of terrorist commanders have been neutralized, including high-profile figures such as Abu Bilal Minuki, Haruna Isiya Boderi, and Kachallah Damina. The recovery of a vast quantity of arms and ammunition, along with the rescue of numerous kidnapped hostages, further underscores the effectiveness of his strategies. The interception of billions of Naira worth of stolen crude oil also highlights the broader impact of his commitment to national security, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to tackling various forms of criminal activity. These achievements directly contradict the narrative of helplessness that often accompanies discussions of Nigeria's security challenges. Matawalle's impact extends beyond the purely military realm. His commitment to national security has boosted the morale of the troops, leading to increased operational effectiveness. This, in turn, has fostered greater public trust in the government's ability to effectively address the nation's security concerns. The previously prevalent sense of despair and vulnerability has been, to a large extent, replaced by a renewed hope and confidence in the possibility of overcoming these significant threats. His leadership embodies the principle that strong, decisive action can make a tangible difference in the fight against terrorism.

## Award and Recognition

* Minister of the Year Award.
* ICNGO Award Minister of the Month.
* Governor of the Year Award by Vanguard Newspaper.
* National Award for Security in Niger Republic.
* Niger Republic Highest Award.
* Seek Peace Award by Concerned Citizens of Nigeria.
* Media Friendly Governor of the Year Award.
* Award of Excellence in Leadership by Leadership Newspaper.
* Sun Newspaper Man of the Year Award.

## Net Worth

Bello Matawalle earns his career as a politician, a successful businessman, international car dealer, entrepreneur, real estate developer and has a printing press. He has an estimated net worth of $187 million.

## Personal life

Matawalle is married to three wives, Fatima Bello Matawalle, Balkisu Bello Matawalle and Aisha Bello Matawalle and is blessed with children.