APC’s call for State of Emergency disrespect for people of Zamfara State – PDP

By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau

The call by the factional All Progressives Congress (APC) led by former Governor Mohammed Bello Matawalle and Senator Abdulaziz Yari for a State of Emergency in Zamfara State has been declared as a clear indication of their intimidation by the developmental strides made under Governor Dauda Lawal’s leadership.

This was contained in a statement by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’ State Publicity Secretary, Halliru Andi, dated 22nd September, 2024 and copy of which was handed to The DEFENDER’s correspondent in Gusau on Sunday.

This globalised online newspaper reports that the PDP’s statement was its reaction to Saturday’s statement by the opposition APC calling for a declaration of State of Emergency in the state by the Federal Government.

It will be recalled that Governor Dauda Lawal recently accused the Minister of State fir Defence, whose faction of APC is calling for State of Emergency in the state, of being involved in the activities of banditry that have become a seeming uncheckable now in the North West state.

Governor Lawal, wmdyring a television interview while revealing the past of the Minister as governor of Zamfara, said “If I were him, I would step aside to clear my name”. Matawalle has since not denied the allegation until the APC’s Saturday’s statement came calling for a State of Emergency meaning that the democratically elected governor be removed from office and be replaced under a military like administrator.

Butbtge PDP, in its reply, said the call was an indication of a baseless reason by which it said APC is disrespectful to the Zamfara State people.

According to Handi, “The PDP administration is focused on rectifying the maladministration that characterized 25 years of APC governance, and it is evident that the APC fears the scorecard of Governor Lawal. Their attempts to undermine his efforts reflect a desperate need to salvage their political careers as the 2027 elections approach.

“The call for a state of emergency is unfounded and deeply disrespectful to the resilient people of Zamfara State. The APC conveniently overlooks the troubling legacy of former Governor Bello Matawalle, whose misguided approach to banditry involved cozying up to warlords. His administration’s failure to ensure security was characterized by a disturbing pattern of accommodation, including providing Hilux vehicles and substantial financial rewards to bandits, while allowing them unrestricted access to government house. As a result, the citizens of Zamfara have experienced the dire consequences of this recklessness, with bandits attacking communities and finding refuge within the very corridors of power.

“The unfounded claims that Governor Dauda Lawal is sabotaging the fight against banditry in Zamfara State is a political move to undermine our ongoing efforts to address insecurity in the state.

“Governor Lawal is the first in our state’s history to prioritize security with genuine commitment, contrasting sharply with the previous APC administrations.

“Unlike the APC, which has politicized the serious issue of insecurity, the PDP’s administration is committed to the peace and stability of Zamfara state. The successes we’ve seen against banditry are a direct result of Governor Lawal’s steadfast approach, refusing to engage in reconciliation with criminals. This principled stance has set a clear and firm direction in our fight against banditry.

“The PDP administration led by Governor Dauda Lawal has taken significant steps, including the establishment of Community Protection Guards (CPG) and the creation of a Security Trust Fund to support conventional security forces. Just a few weeks ago, Governor Lawal distributed vehicles to enhance the operational capabilities of our security agencies, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to this critical issue.

“The APC’s allegations are nothing more than desperate propaganda. At no point did former Governor Matawalle express a willingness to collaborate with Governor Lawal in addressing insecurity. Furthermore, Mr Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defense, has shown a lack of competence and empathy for the people of Zamfara. His secret negotiations with bandits, conducted without Governor Lawal’s knowledge, directly undermined the current administration’s firm stance against reconciliation with bandits. Following the failure of these negotiations, he falsely claimed that Governor Lawal approved 1.3 billion naira in one fabricated memo for reconciliation processes, a baseless assertion.

“We call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack Bello Matawalle from his position as Minister of State for Defense. His lack of integrity and qualifications for this sensitive role is evident in his past actions, which have not only undermined the current fight against banditry but also jeopardized the safety of our citizens. It is imperative that the federal government investigate Matawalle’s actions, particularly his relationships with bandit leaders, which have been a clear impediment to effective governance.

“In conclusion, we urge the APC to focus on genuine issues affecting Zamfara rather than resorting to baseless accusations and distractions. Governor Dauda Lawal remains resolute in his commitment to transforming the state and will not be deterred by the opposition’s unfounded claims. The people of Zamfara deserve better, and this administration is dedicated to delivering on that promise.”