Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) following recent developments within the political landscape of Zamfara State viz+a-viz statements made by Governor Dauda Lawal regarding Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle has called on the governor to resign as he has failed to provide needed governance but engaging in ble games.
According to.the forum in a statement issued by the convener Comrade Danjuma Paul said, the Governor’s call for the resignation of Minister Matawalle is not only misplaced but also indicative of a deeper malaise afflicting the governance of Zamfara State, a malaise that can only be remedied by the Governor himself stepping down from his position.
"The allegations surrounding Governor Lawal have reached a critical juncture, particularly in the context of financial misconduct linked to the funding of terror groups. This alleged involvement stands in stark contrast to the demonstrated commitment of Minister Matawalle in addressing the scourge of banditry that has plagued the region.
"A distressing document, circulating within political and civil society circles, has surfaced, chronicling a desperate request to Governor Lawal for an exorbitant sum of One Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million Naira. This sum was purportedly allocated for a reconciliation program aimed at brokering peace with notorious bandits, including infamous leaders such as Bello Turji, Dogo Gide, Ado Aliero, Halilu Sububu, and Gwaska Dan Karami".
According to the forum, the implications of these financial negotiations cannot be understated, and they raise critical questions regarding the ethical governance of Zamfara State,hence the notion that taxpayer resources could be directed towards appeasing banditry only further erodes the trust of the citizenry in their elected officials.
"The revelation of such a reconciliation program invites skepticism about Governor Lawal’s commitment to the welfare of the state and its people, particularly as the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate.
Moreover, the recent arrest of Bashir Hadejiya, a former aide to Governor Lawal, on serious charges of gun running and international criminal conspiracy has only compounded the crisis of confidence surrounding the Governor’s administration.
"While Lawal’s desperation appears to grow alongside the security challenges, it is evident that any semblance of authority and credibility is eroding rapidly. In this tumultuous environment, the commendable progress made under the leadership of Minister Matawalle against banditry must be viewed as critical to the restoration of peace and stability in the region".
Minister Matawalle’s recent actions demonstrate a strategic and disciplined approach to combating banditry, which has yielded tangible results, including the elimination of bandit leaders and a significant reduction of violence. These accomplishments should not be overshadowed by politically motivated attacks on key stakeholders engaged in the fight for regional security. Instead of engaging in a divisive narrative that aims to shift culpability, Governor Lawal must reflect on the broader implications of his leadership and the pressing need for accountability.
The NSCF said it firmly believed that for the gains achieved in the fight against banditry to be sustained and for genuine progress to be realized, a shift in leadership is imperative. The call for Governor Lawal’s resignation is not merely a reactionary stance; it is a responsible demand based on the ethical considerations of governance that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of Zamfara’s citizens over political survival.
The forum said, "Should Governor Lawal fail to heed this call for resignation, we will advocate for the imposition of a state of emergency, necessitating his removal from office and the appointment of a military sole administrator. Such a move would ensure that the imperative of restoring security takes precedence over the inadequacies of a faltering political administration".
The NSCF called upon all stakeholders, including the Federal Government and civil society, to recognize the urgency of this situation and to act decisively. The current state of affairs in Zamfara demands leadership that is accountable, ethical, and committed to prioritizing the needs of its citizens above political expediency.
"We implore Governor Dauda Lawal to resign in the interest of peace and security within Zamfara State. The time is now to place the wellbeing of our people above all else, for in their safety and prosperity lies the future of our communities" the statement said.
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