The Yoruba Youth Council, (YYC) has called on the Zamfara State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Dauda Lawal over his alleged shoddy handling of the deteriorating security situation in their troubled state.
This is even as the youth council caution the Governor to stop attacking the Minister of State for Defence and his predecessor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle.
The ethnic group also deplored the alleged refusal by the Governor to work in harmony with the Minister in the ongoing sweeping efforts by the military to crush the escalating banditry, and thus the worrisome insecurity ravaging the state.
The YYC in a statement issued by its President, Comrade Eric Oluwole, said ,"It is appalling and unacceptable that rather than cooperate with the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in crushing the worsening banditry in his state, he is the one fuelling the bandits in their bloody attacks which have claimed many lives because his is not a listening Governor
According to Oluwole: "Information reaching us through a document in a social media shows that the Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, on July 2, 2024, approved a whopping N1.378 billion "to finance the state government reconciliation programme with bandits in order to bring the menace to an end".
"The money was to be shared to five notorious banditry kingpins including Kachalla Dogu Dide (N200 million); Kachalla Bello Turji (N200m); Ado Alero (N200m): Kachalla Halilu Sububu (N150m); and Gwaska Dan Karami ((N150m).
Among the quoted beneficiaries of the largesse were also six "media promoters" including a prominent online media outfit (N100m); Jackson Ude (N150m); Bashir Hadejia (N100m); Shaibu Mungadi (N50m); Tijani Lamaran (N50m); and Danbiliki Kwawanda (N20m).
Governor Lawal, it was learnt approved the above money as shared, from the State Security Trust Fund following a request on June 30, 2024 by the Secretary to the State Government, Mal. Abubakar Nakwanda.
He had asked the governor to "Direct the state Ministry of Finance to release the said amount for distribution to the beneficiaries listed above as a matter of urgency."
Oluwole said: "We think that Dauda Lawal should be impeached as the Governor of Zamfara State in view of his conivance with, and funding of bandits with state resources to fund the reign of terror in his state.
"Regrettably still, recently, the Yoruba Youths Council monitored Governor Lawal's interview on a TV station calling for the resignation of Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.
"We make bold to say that viewing the current situation in Zamfara, Mr Governor could not have accused his predecessor of not doing enough. This is because Alhaji Bello Matawalle has tried his best to work with him, but Governor Dauda Lawal has refused his intervention.
"We expect that the Governor of a state being ravaged by banditry everywhere is not supposed to jeopardise any effort from anywhere to crush banditry and restore normalcy in the beleaguered state.
"Yoruba youths have been monitoring Zamfara issues over time, and we cannot allow Governor Dauda Lawal to continue molesting Alhaji Bello Matawalle as one of the best Ministers in the administration of Tinubu Government.
"Bello Matawalle has been a man working hard for the good development of Zamfara state."
Oluwole noted the successes recently recorded by the nation's gallant armed forces in the ongoing onslaught against banditry in the North, including the neutralization of the notorious banditry kingpin Halilu Sububu, and the arrest of another gun running banditry kingpin, Bashir Hadejia.
The YYC President recalled the group's statement on the achievements being recorded by the military in the ongoing battle to crush banditry. It was titled "Governor Dauda Lawal Faces Public Scrutiny Amid Anti-Banditry Operations in Zamfara"
According to the statement:: "In recent months, Zamfara State has been a focal point of concern as significant developments unfold in the ongoing battle against insecurity and lawlessness, primarily attributed to the activities of bandit leaders.
"The arrest of Bashir Hadejiya, a notorious gun running figure, coupled with the neutralization of infamous bandits such as Halilu Sububu, marks an apparent attempt by the state and federal authorities to regain control over a troubling situation that has plagued local communities for years.
"However, these positive strides have been overshadowed by the increasingly complex dynamics between political leadership and public sentiment, particularly regarding Governor Dauda Lawal's governance.
"As Yoruba Youths Council, it is our duty to scrutinize the current state of affairs in Zamfara. The state's precarious situation has intensified scrutiny of Governor Lawal's role amid the enduring efforts led by the Defence Minister, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
The apparent successes in the offensive against banditry should ideally foster a climate of collaboration and unity among leaders. Yet, the observable discord between Lawal and Matawalle signals an unsettling narrative where personal grievances threaten the integrity and efficacy of collective efforts in curbing violence and insecurity.
"The political landscape in Zamfara has become fraught, dominated by a palpable sense of urgency and frustration. Governor Lawal's recent public outbursts targeting Minister Matawalle not only highlight his dissatisfaction but also project a deeper unease regarding the trajectory of governance in the state.
"The tone and context of these exchanges suggest an authoritarian shift that is deeply troubling. Governance, at its core, hinges on collaboration and mutual respect among state actors, particularly in situations of crisis where the populace's welfare hangs in the balance.
"The diverging paths of these leaders could undermine progress and instill a climate of uncertainty among the populace, raising serious concerns about Lawal's approach to leadership during such a crucial period.
"The sentiments emanating from the State House and the streets of Zamfara reflect a growing sentiment of distrust among citizens regarding the Governor's intentions and capabilities. As perceptions shift towards the belief that Governor Lawal may be part of the problem rather than a solution, the potential for societal discontent rises exponentially.
"When the populace begins to view their leaders as impediments to peace and security, it sets a perilous precedent that can lead to widespread instability.
"The historical underpinnings of insecurity in Zamfara cannot be overstated. With years of systemic neglect, coupled with the socio-economic vulnerabilities that have been exacerbated by banditry, the fabric of community safety has been severely weakened.
"In light of this, the role of the elected officials, particularly the Governor, should pivot towards fostering unity, engaging in dialogue with security operatives, and enhancing the participatory role of civil society organizations. It is critical for Governor Lawal to recalibrate his approach, moving from a place of distress and antagonism towards one characterized by collaboration and strategic planning.
"Furthermore, the current political tension poses the risk of diverting attention from the pressing needs of Zamfara’s citizens—needs that range from security to healthcare and education. An unchecked escalation of rivalry between key leaders can distract from fundamental governance issues, leaving the populace vulnerable.
"As such, it is imperative for Governor Lawal to demonstrate a commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity rather than engaging in personal conflicts that detract from his responsibilities.Recent developments in Zamfara State, notably the arrest of key figures involved in gunrunning and banditry, have opened a window of opportunity for restoring law and order.
"However, this window may close quickly if political dynamics are allowed to devolve into a cycle of dispute and accusation. Governor Dauda Lawal's current posture, underscored by recent public statements, raises critical questions about his vision for the state amid these tumultuous times.
"It is our prerogative and responsibility to urge for a unifying approach that cultivates trust, collaboration, and above all, prioritizes the welfare of the people of Zamfara. The stakes are high, and decisive leadership is imperative now more than ever."
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