Insecurity: Stop Blaming Minister, Security Chiefs, Group Tells Gov Lawal

A group, Patriot for Advancement of Peace and Social Development, has cautioned against casting aspersions on security agencies and the minister of state for defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, in the effort to address the insecurity in Zamfara State.

The group, in a statement signed in Abuja yesterday by its executive director, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, noted that recently elected public officers, particularly the president and governors, celebrated their one year in office, gave an account of their stewardship and showcased their achievements despite insecurity and economic challenges.

In Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal dissipated energy and time “casting aspersions on security agencies and the minister of state for defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, his predecessor in office,” Shinkafi said.

He accused the governor of throwing caution to the wind, attacking Matawalle as if that would make up for his non-fulfilment of his election promises to the people of Zamfara State during a Channels Television appearance.

He said instead of telling Nigerians what he achieved in the past year in office, Lawal attempted to ridicule and discredit Matawalle, adding that his calculated attacks on the minister were the height of executive recklessness.

Shinkafi accused the governor of using the opportunity of a live interview on television to disparage the minister of state in the worst youthful exuberance and politics of bitterness.

He said Governor Lawal wasted a one-year blaming Matawalle for his inability to discharge his constitutional duties and provide dividends of democracy to the people of Zamfara State as he promised them, particularly that he would end insecurity in the state within 100 days in office.

He noted that one year later, the governor lamented that bandits had overrun the state, that he was helpless, and that he blamed security agencies for the development. “While the blame game continues, the people of Zamfara State suffer untold hardship,” he added.

He said that the election is over and that it is time for governance. Therefore, Governor Lawal should face his administration, improve the lives of the people, and allow the Minister of State for Defence to carry out his national assignment just as he effectively discharged his duties as governor.