The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned the alarming trend of what it termed political witch-hunting directed against Dr. Bello Matawelle, the Minister of State for Defence allegedly by Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
A statement issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said, such unwarranted campaign not only undermines the necessary focus on security and stability but also represents a gross misuse of taxpayer resources.
"The recent orchestrated protests in Abuja, allegedly funded by the Zamfara government, demanding the removal of Dr. Matawelle amidst the ongoing crisis of banditry in the state, are profoundly disheartening. Such actions shift the focus away from the pressing challenges faced by the people of Zamfara, where rampant banditry continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. The deployment of public funds for politically motivated protests is not only unnecessary but an affront to the citizens who suffer under the weight of insecurity".
Ohanaeze Ndigbo called upon Governor Dauda Lawal to recognize that his foremost responsibility as Chief Security Officer of Zamfara is to ensure the safety of all citizens, including the Igbo community that has faced threats, violence, and economic destabilization due to the brazen acts of bandits.
According to the apex Igbo group, engaging in politically charged rhetoric does nothing but exacerbate the existing turmoil and distract from our collective goal of restoring peace and safety in the region.
"The federation has borne witness to the gallant efforts of various stakeholders in the fight against banditry, and it is imperative that Governor Lawal aligns his administration with the Federal Government to formulate and implement actionable strategies that effectively combat these nefarious activities.
"We urge him to close ranks with Dr. Bello Matawelle, setting aside any political differences to enhance security operations aimed at curtailing banditry, which does not discriminate between ethnicities or political affiliations.
The Igbo group affirmed that, "The safety of Igbo traders and other Nigerians in Zamfara must overshadow any political incentives that dictate the actions of our leaders. We have no vested interest in the ongoing political tussles between the PDP and APC; rather, our paramount concern is the welfare and protection of our people who suffer at the hands of bandits.
"It is with great urgency that we advocate for immediate actions that prioritize the lives and businesses threatened by rampant violence in Zamfara. It is time for Governor Dauda Lawal to demonstrate statesmanship by fostering a partnership oriented towards genuine solutions, rather than indulging in a divisive political theater that serves only to further endanger the populace.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo implored Governor Lawal to put aside political vendettas and be a unifying force in the fight against insecurity, stressing that collaboration between the state government and the Federal Government, particularly with figures like Dr. Bello Matawelle, is essential for achieving lasting peace, emphasizing that our collective safety and security must transcend partisan politics; it is both a right and a necessity.
"The path forward demands integrity, cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of every Nigerian. Let us unite for peace, and let us collectively work towards a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of our communities over political aspirations" the group stated.
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