Bello Matawalle is a Nigerian politician and teacher. He has been the governor of Zamfara State since 2019. He was born on February 12, 1969, in Maradun, Nigeria. In 2003, he became a representative for Bakura/Maradun.
He was re-elected in 2007 and later joined the People’s Democratic Party, where he won a third term in 2011. Currently, the EFCC is investigating Governor Bello Matawalle regarding the alleged theft of N70 billion from Zamfara State.
Bello Matawalle Biography
Bello Matawalle is a politician, professor, and currently serves as the Executive Governor of Zamfara State in Nigeria. He is a highly influential figure in the state’s political landscape, with over 20 years of experience in roles such as the House of Assembly and House of Representatives.
Prior to his current position, Matawalle held various important roles in Zamfara State, including Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Environment and Rural Development, and Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
Educational Background
In 1979, Bello Matawalle attended Maradun Township Primary School and successfully obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. In 1984, he received a diploma from VTC Bunza. Later, he went to Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria, and then to Thames Valley University in London, England.
Age and State of Origin
The current Governor of Zamfara State, as of 2022, was born on February 12, 1969, in the city of Maradun. Maradun was a part of the Northern Region (which is now Zamfara State) when he was born. He is currently 61 years old (as of 2023), Maradun is a Local Government Area located in Zamfara State, Nigeria.
Wives and Children
Matawalle has been married four times to different women, and he has children from each of his marriages. The names of his wives are Aishat Bello Matawalle, Hajiya Balkisu Bello Matawalle, Hajiya Sadiya Bello Matawalle, and Malama Fatima Bello Matawalle.
Interestingly, it seems that the media is only aware of his marriages to Aisha Bello Matawalle and Balkisu Bello Matawalle. Fatima Bello Matawalle and Sadiya Bello Matawalle are not active on social media, which might explain their lower public presence.
These are the four aspects that bring happiness to the Governor of Zamfara State. The wives’ names are Her Excellency Aishat Bello Matawalle, Hajiya Balkisu Bello Matawalle, Hajiya Sadiya Bello Matawalle, and Malama Fatima Bello Matawalle.
Career
Bello Matawalle has had a diverse career in politics and public service. From his early teaching days to joining the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and his subsequent entry into politics, Matawalle’s journey has been eventful.
Teaching and Early Political Aspirations
Before joining the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Matawalle taught at Government Girls College Moriki and Kwatarkoshi. In 1998, he made his first foray into politics by contesting and winning a house of assembly seat.
United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) and Ministerial Connections
After leaving the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in Abuja, Matawalle joined the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP). The party boasted influential politicians like Ambassador Isa Aliyu Mohammed Argungu and Ibrahim Gusau. Matawalle’s association with the UNCP opened doors for his future political endeavors.
Commissioner Roles in Zamfara State
Between 1999 and 2003, Matawalle served as the Zamfara State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Environment and Rural Development, and Commissioner for Youth and Sports. These roles allowed him to contribute to the development of his state.
House of Representatives and Party Switch
Matawalle’s constituents in Bakura/Maradun elected him into the House of Representatives in May 2003 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
He was re-elected in 2007, still on the ANPP platform. In 2011, he switched to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and ran for a third term.
Electoral Controversy and Supreme Court Intervention
During the March elections, Matawalle received significant votes, but the APC candidate initially received the certificate of return. However, the Court of Appeal in Sokoto later instructed the INEC to revoke the certificate.
The Supreme Court ruled that the APC votes were wasted, leading to the second-place candidate, Matawalle, being sworn in as Governor of Zamfara State.
Change of Political Party
Bello Matawalle, the Governor of Zamfara State, made headlines when he decided to switch political parties. The events surrounding his party switch and the subsequent developments brought significant attention to his political career.
Dissolution of the Executive Council
On June 1, 2021, Matawalle dissolved his Executive Council, leading to speculation about a possible party switch. However, he denied any direct connection between the cabinet dissolution and his decision to switch parties, stating that he had not yet made a final decision or set a date.
Confirmation of Party Switch
On June 27, Bashir Ahmad, a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s media team, announced that Matawalle had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This news was later confirmed by Matawalle’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Dosara. It was announced that Matawalle would officially declare his party switch on June 29.
Official Party Switch
On June 29, a rally was held in Gusau, where Matawalle, along with all three Zamfara Senators, six out of seven Representatives, and all 24 House of Assembly members, officially switched to the APC.
Notably, some political figures, including Deputy Governor Mahdi Aliyu Gusau and Anka/Mafara Representative Kabiru Yahaya, chose to remain with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Matawalle as the New APC Leader
Following the party switch, Governor of Yobe State and APC Caretaker Chairman, Mai Mala Buni, took immediate action by dissolving all party caretaker committees in Zamfara State. Matawalle was appointed as the new leader of the APC in Zamfara State.
Net Worth
His Excellency, Bello Matawalle, is an experienced entrepreneur involved in various ventures, including the automotive industry, real estate development, and politics. Additionally, he owns a printing press company.
With a net worth estimated at approximately $120 million (₦95.4 billion Naira, as of today 23 december, 2023), Matawalle has established himself as a successful businessman and politician. His diverse business portfolio includes car dealership, real estate, and printing services.
Matawalle’s wealth is substantial, reaching $120 million, making him a notable figure in the business and political spheres. His involvement in different sectors highlights his versatility and ability to navigate various industries successfully.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Matawalle’s influence extends beyond business, as he is actively engaged in politics. His multifaceted career underscores his commitment to contributing to both the private and public sectors.
Wikipedia Profile & Background
| Real Name: | Bello Muhammad Matawalle |
| Date of Birth: | 12 February 1962 |
| Age: | 61 years old @ 2023 |
| State of Origin: | Zamfara State, Nigeria |
| Place of Birth: | Maradun, Zamfara State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Wives: | Aishat Bello Matawalle Hajiya Balkisu Bello Matawalle Hajiya Sadiya Bello Matawalle Malama Fatima Bello Matawalle |
| Occupation: | Politician Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth: | $120 million |
| Education: | Thames Valley University in London, England |
| Political Party: | (APC) All Progressives Congress |
In Conclusion
After a brief period serving in the state house of assembly and as a state commissioner, Bello Matawalle was elected as a member of the House of Representatives in 2003.
He represented the Bakura/Maradun constituency until 2015, first as a member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party and later as a member of the People’s Democratic Party.
After losing his seat in 2015, Matawalle became the PDP’s candidate for the governorship in 2019 and won the election after the Supreme Court declared the initial winner ineligible.
In 2021, he switched political parties and joined the All Progressives Congress along with most of the elected officials in Zamfara State.
