The simmering feud between Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, the Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Television and Radio, and Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, is far from new. Recent developments have, however, cast this longstanding rivalry into the spotlight, raising questions about its origins and the motives behind the ongoing hostilities.
The Genesis of the Dispute
Investigations reveal that the roots of this animosity trace back to Dr. Matawalle’s tenure as Governor of Zamfara State. During his time in office, Dr. Matawalle reportedly declined to patronize Alhaji Ramalan’s media outlets. This decision, sources suggest, triggered a vendetta, with the media entrepreneur allegedly launching a campaign of sustained attacks against the former governor.
Over the years, this conflict has escalated, taking on new dimensions. Alhaji Ramalan, leveraging his media platforms, has been accused of orchestrating a series of assaults—both in the press and through other channels—against Dr. Matawalle. These alleged acts of media warfare have continued unabated, with new players and tactics emerging along the way.
The Role of APC AKIDA
A notable example of this campaign is the activities of a group called APC AKIDA. Described as lacking any significant political or social pedigree, the group is reportedly owned and funded by Alhaji Ramalan. Recently, APC AKIDA staged protests targeting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accompanied by a barrage of sponsored allegations accusing Dr. Matawalle of complicity in banditry.
Interestingly, the origins of these allegations can be traced to Zamfara’s current Governor, Dauda Lawal. Since succeeding Matawalle, Governor Lawal has been accused of engaging in a vindictive campaign against his predecessor, which appears to align conveniently with the narrative propagated by Alhaji Ramalan and APC AKIDA.
The Funding Connection
In July 2024, a leaked memo from the Zamfara State Government brought new revelations to light. Dated June 30, 2024, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mallam Abubakar M. Nakwada, the document detailed a request for Governor Lawal’s approval of ₦1.378 billion for payments to bandit kingpins and “media promoters.”
Among those listed as recipients of these funds were prominent individuals and entities, including Sahara Reporters, Jackson Ude, Bashir Hadeija, Shuaibu Mungadi, Tijjani Lamaran, and Danbilki Rwanda. Alhaji Ramalan’s Liberty TV and Radio, operating extensively in Northern Nigeria, was allegedly allocated ₦50 million from the sum.
This financial trail has drawn sharp scrutiny, especially given the shared characteristic of these media figures: their vocal and relentless criticism of Dr. Matawalle. Whether through direct attacks or through proxies, the alignment of their narratives raises questions about the motivations behind their campaigns.
A Pattern of Phantom Protests
The protests orchestrated by APC AKIDA, under the aegis of Alhaji Ramalan, appear to follow a familiar script. The group’s repeated demonstrations, often laden with baseless accusations against Dr. Matawalle, are widely perceived as a continuation of the vendetta fueled by Alhaji Ramalan’s grievances.
The Next APC AKIDA Protest
The next time APC AKIDA stages a protest or Alhaji Ramalan’s media outlets publish damning allegations against Dr. Matawalle, it is essential to view these actions through the lens of their broader context. This running battle, rooted in personal interests and political vendettas, underscores the complex interplay of media, politics, and influence in contemporary Nigeria.