As delegates from countries across the globe converge on New York, United States for the Annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), an ample opportunity presents itself to highlight development issues affecting member nations. With Vice President Kashim Shettima leading Nigeria’s delegation which includes four governors of Benue, Nasarawa, Niger and Zamfara states, Nigeria’s robust contribution is guaranteed in this august gathering.
At a time when Nigeria grapples with security challenges occasioned by banditry and criminality in north-western states, Zamfara Governor’s Dauda Lawal’s attendance of this annual assembly is not only timely but also appropriate. There’s no doubt that the security of member states would occupy the frontline of deliberations and who is better to reflect the challenges of Nigeria’s security than the man whose state is grossly affected by the raging banditry.
That Zamfara has been the hotbed of insecurity is stating the obvious. This has greatly impeded development efforts of governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in no mean feats. Previous administrations in Zamfara had played politics with this unfortunate issue to a point where the culpability of government officials were suspected. The bandits and terror merchants, emboldened by this nonchalance that hitherto prevailed, carried on with their brigandage, wrecking unimaginable havocs on farming, the mainstay of this agrarian state and the entire economy of the Northern region.
When Governor Lawal took over the reins of leadership after a defining election, residents of the state heaved sighs of relief. With an amiable personality and distinct sense of purpose, the governor set about reining in the criminality that held the entire state hostage. He declared that in his first 100 days in office, he would tackle banditry head-on, a commitment he kept with attendant benefits.
Lawal’s rejigging of the Zamfara Vigilante Services with equipment and mobility paid off as communities became relatively safer from marauding bandits. He also supported and continues to support the Nigeria Police and military operations in the state with vehicles and logistics to enhance prompt responses wherever required and preemptive measures. It’s instructive to note that Gusau, Maradun, and other towns that terrorists laid siege became safer with these efforts.
The establishment of the Zamfara Security Trust Fund with a retired Brigadier General, Abdul Gumi, as chairman is another indication of Governor Lawal’s commitment to returning peace and tranquility to the state. General Gumi comes to this onerous responsibility with a record of military accomplishments in areas of operations and strategy. The reputable personalities of other trustees of the Fund reflects the preparedness of the administration towards ending the unbecoming menace.
Recognising that funding is at the crux of any security drive, Governor Lawal also set up a fund raising committee for the Security Trust Fund with Alhaji Sambo Garba, MON, as chairman. How this committee, with equally reputable membership would mobilise funds for the ongoing fight against bandits and terrorists, could be a herculean task but achievable in the overall interests of Zamfara people and Nigeria as a whole.
As Governor Lawal attends this year’s UNGA with obvious intentions of putting the rabid insecurity in the region on the front burner, it’s rather unfortunate to notice the intransigence of certain elements at the corridors of power from Zamfara. Due to some primordial and narrow considerations, the Minister of State for Defence and an erstwhile governor of Zamfara, Bello Matawalle, has been seen to be foot-dragging in cooperating with the governor to rescue the people. The resort to selfish propaganda by these groups with ulterior motives is an anathema to peace and security and a disservice to the beleaguered residents and indigenes of the state.
It’s a good thing that revered leaders of thoughts like General Aliyu Gusau and other well-meaning people from the state are rising against the evil of banditry and calling for cooperation with the governor while at the same time condemning the gang up against Governor Lawal. When this writer took it upon himself to sample opinions from residents of Talata Marafa and Gusau, there’s a preponderance of views that Governor Lawal would be “vindicated” from the tirades of those opposed to his bid to restore order in the state.
“We know those who are benefitting from activities of bandits and these same people are the ones who do not want Governor Dauda to succeed. We know those who have gone to sit in their comfort in Abuja after setting the state on fire but insha Allah, Zamfara will overcome with this governor in charge,” Ustaz Bukura, a resident of Gusau had assured.
It’s expected that Zamfara would be better with Governor Lawal on the presidential delegation to UNGA. This is clearly another chance to bring global attention to the menace of banditry and return needed peace to Nigeria.
Abonu, a journalist and media consultant, writes from Asokoro, Abuja.
