A group, the Coalition of activists and human rights defence in 37 states of Nigeria Friday called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a State of Emergency in Zamfara state over its worsening insecurity.
The coalition also urged the Zamfara state governor, Lawal Dauda Dare, to focus on moving the state forward rather than attacking his predecessor, Bello Matawalle.
The national president of the Coalition Dr. Suleiman Shua’bu Shikanfi, who disclosed in Abuja during a press briefing, said the issue of security in the state the state is worrisome.
He said lives and properties are being lost every day, adding that indigenes are scared to go home because of rising insecurity.
“We call on president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a respected leader who is a listening president to save the state from collapse and declare a State of Emergency in Zamfara state, just like Jonathan did to Joshua Dariye when there was a lot of killing in Plateau state.
“We will not fold our arms as responsible citizen and watch the present governor leave his primary responsibility as the chief security officer and pre-occupy himself with denting his predecessor’s image who worked tirelessly for the success of the state during his tenure as governor.
“We are all scared to go home, to go to our villages. For over six to seven months, I have not seen my parents, my family because of insecurity.
“Unfortunately, the governor does not even stay in the state to lead and coordinate the fight against insecurity. Instead, he travels from one country to another wasting the states’ meager resources,” he said.
Also speaking, General Secretary of the Coalition, Comrade Anas Abdullahi Kaura, said it is disheartening to witness the dismissal of Zamfara Islamic scholars at the government house, only to be replaced by the wife of the current governor.
He urged Governor Dare to direct his attention towards fulfilling his primary responsibilities rather than engaging in the dissemination of false information and propaganda against Matawalle.
He said: “Matawalle’s administration made significant strides in improving the lives of the people of Zamfara state. He established dispensaries in every local government area, effectively addressing the healthcare needs of the community. Additionally, over 136 kilometers of roads were constructed, enhancing transportation infrastructure.
“Schools were repaired, providing better educational opportunities for the youth. Notably, 7,400 teachers were employed and also he appointed 8,000 political appointees all from humble backgrounds, without influential connections.
“Matawalle’s commitment to education extended to providing free education and establishing the welfare center known as Matawalle Care, which supported the less privileged.
“Unfortunately, the current government has failed woefully; zero achievements and they refuse to continue these vital initiatives from the past government. Their lack of effort is evident; their focus is on tarnishing Matawalle’s image through the spread of propaganda, neglecting their primary responsibilities.”
