A non-governmental organization, Zamfara Concerned Citizens Group, has strongly criticized Governor Dauda Lawal and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara for politicizing the state’s security challenges.
The group accused the government of failing to contribute meaningfully to addressing the insecurity, saying “The government can no longer hide its shame for its lack of contribution”.
The group contrasted Zamfara’s situation with neighboring Sokoto, where the state government has provided significant support to the military, including vehicles, motorcycles, and other resources.
Muhammad Salisu Anka, the group’s convener, alleged that Zamfara’s government benefits from illegal mining, which motivates its reluctance to cooperate with security agencies.
“They don’t want peace to return to Zamfara,” Anka stated.
The group also criticized the PDP for attacking former Governor Bello Matawalle over his trips to Sokoto State. They noted that Sokoto’s government has done more to support the military than Zamfara’s administration. Matawalle’s leadership led to the elimination of high-profile bandits and over 5,000 associates, demonstrating his administration’s effectiveness in combating banditry.
Despite these successes, the PDP accused Matawalle of “eye service.” Critics, including Gov Dauda Lawal, downplayed Matawalle’s achievements, politicizing security issues.
The group alleged Gov Dauda’s ties to illegal mining operations and urged the public to remain vigilant, unaffected by politicians prioritizing personal gain over citizens’ security.
“The reason they don’t want maximum cooperation with security agencies is that they don’t want peace to return to Zamfara,” Anka said.
The group also criticized the PDP for attacking former Governor Bello Matawalle over his trips to Sokoto State. They noted that Sokoto’s government has done far more to support the military than Zamfara’s administration.
” Matawalle’s leadership has led to the successful targeting and elimination of high-profile bandits like Baleri Fakai, Halilu Sububu, and Kachallah Sani Black. Over 5,000 of their associates have also been neutralized, demonstrating the effectiveness of his administration’s strategy to combat banditry.
“Despite these successes, the PDP has accused Matawalle of engaging in “eye service,” while many citizens view his actions as essential for achieving lasting peace in the region.
“Critics, including Gov Dauda Lawal, have downplayed Matawalle’s achievements, often politicizing security issues. Gov Dauda’s criticisms appear to be an attempt to distract from the progress being made, especially after the killing of Halilu Sububu, a key figure in regional banditry, ” the group said in a statement.
The group also alleged that Gov Dauda has ties to illegal mining operations in the region.
The group called on the public to remain vigilant and not be swayed by political figures who prioritize personal gain over the security and well-being of Zamfara’s citizens.
The Zamfara Concerned Citizens also affirmed that no amount of slander from Gov Dauda or the PDP can distract Matawalle, now serving as Minister of State for Defence, from his commitment to fighting insecurity.
They praised Matawalle for his decisive actions, which have contributed to restoring peace and security in the Northwest, and urged the PDP to set aside political ambitions and fairly evaluate Matawalle’s contributions to peace in Zamfara.
