A group, Patriot for Advancement of Peace and Social Development, has urged the Zamfara state Governor, Dauda Lawal, to give account of his stewardship to the people of the state, and to leave the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle alone
The group in a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Sani Shinkafi, said that since taking over office from his predecessor, Lawal has spared no moment antagonising Matawalle.
The group was reacting to the recent interview by the Governor’s on Channels Television’s flagship programme, Sunrise, where he allegedly cast aspersion on security agencies in the state, and the minister of state for Defence.
Shinkafi said that while public officers “particularly the president and governors celebrated their one year in office, gave account of their stewardship, and showcased their achievements despite insecurity and economic challenges, it was not so with Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, who recently featured on Channels Television’s Sunrise and dissipated energy and time casting aspersions on security agencies and the Hon. Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, his predecessor in office.”
It accused the Governor of politics of bitterness, insisting that the attack on his predecessor was an insult on the sensibilities of the people of the state.
“Instead of telling Nigerians what he achieved in the past one year in office, Lawal attempted to bring the Minister of State for Defence to ridicule and disrepute in the worst desecration of the office to governor in Nigeria,” the statement reads in part.
While urging the Governor to eschew youthful exuberance, the CSO bemoaned what it described as “wasted one year blaming Matawalle for his inability to discharge his constitutional duties and provide dividends of democracy to the people of Zamfara State as he promised them, particularly that he would end insecurity in the state within 100 days in office.
One year after, he laments that bandits have overrun the state, that he is helpless, and also blames security agencies in the state for his failure. While the blame game continues, the people of Zamfara State suffer untold hardship.”
“In spite of lack of Lawal’s cooperation and support, the minister swiftly directed the deployment of military personnel and jet fighters when students of the Federal University of Gusau were abducted by armed bandits while the Governor was out of the country. The military rescued most of the students.
“Also when Zumi town was attacked by bandits on broad-day light killed many people including two police officers, burnt their operational vehicles, houses, shops, and kidnapped several people, Dr Bello Matawalle directed the military to take the fight to bandits’ hideouts. Again, Governor Lawal travelled out of the country when the attack took place.
“Other places bandits attacked recently include Bilbis, Tsafe, Sakajiki, Dogon Kade, Faru, Wari, Gidan Goga, Kanwa, Gora Namaye,Ruwan dawa, Yarkatsina, Karakkai, Ruwan Dorowa, Damaga, Kanoma, Gora, Sabon Birnin Danali, Ruwan Bore, Malele, Mutunji , Kasuwar Daji, Kuryar Madaro, Mada, Kuncin Kalgo, Danisa, Kwaren Ganuwa, Keta Gwaram Dangulbi, Nahuce, Dambo, Damri, Bakura, Ruwan Jema, Gamji, Gwashi, Kyaram, Zugu, Barayar Zaki, Bagega, Wuya, Sabon Birnin, Anka, Magarya, Dauran, Kanwa, Keta, Magazu, Wanzammai, Gusau, the state capital etc.
Adviser, service chiefs, and as he said in his Channels TV interview would visit the president again on insecurity in the state.
“The governor’s disdain for the Minister of Defence and Minister of State for Defence was further expressed when President Bola Tinubu directed Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru to lead a Government delegation to visit Zamfara State over the abduction of students of the Federal University of Gusau by bandits, the Federal Government’s delegation was snubbed.
“The governor was out of the country and did not instruct any officials to receive the delegation on his behalf, nor did he reciprocate the visit when he returned to date.
“The election is over.There is no need for blackmail, mischief, and deception. Lawal should grow up and act like a governor and not a governorship candidate of a political party.
“The fight against banditry, kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling is complex and demands collective action to defeat.
*There is a need for synergy and cooperation of all security agencies and critical stakeholders in the state to find a lasting solution to banditry and related crimes in the state for the past 12 years.
“Attacking Matawalle cannot be a solution to armed banditry and poor governance in Zamfara State. Matawalle is a solution, not a problem in the state and the nation.
It is time to build a strong, united, progressive, prosperous, equitable and decent democratic society,” the statement emphasized.
