Insecurity: Zamfara Elders Berate Gov Lawal For ‘Hijacking’ Federal Gov’t Credit

The Zamfara State Elders Forum has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal for attempting to take credit for recent security improvements in the North-West, accusing him of political opportunism and failing to deliver on his campaign promises.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Zamfara Elders Forum, through its secretary, Dr Alhaji Umaru Yusuf Tsafe, described the governor’s actions as “misleading” and a display of “inconsistency and opportunism.”

The group alleged that Lawal had reneged on his 2023 election pledge to end insecurity in Zamfara State within a month, instead he allegedly shifted blame to the federal government when the situation worsened under his leadership.

“Governor Lawal rode into office on the back of promises he has completely failed to deliver,” Tsafe said, noting that the governor had previously campaigned by blaming his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, for the state’s insecurity.

“Once in office, he claimed he lacked the resources to act, exposing his lack of foresight and leadership.”

The elders further accused Lawal of attempting to claim credit for recent security breakthroughs, which they attributed to the efforts of President Bola Tinubu,
National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, and CDS General Christopher Musa.

“Governor Lawal neither provided meaningful support nor initiated these operations,” the statement read, labelling his actions as “political desperation.”

The forum urged the people of Zamfara to demand accountability from their leaders, stressing that the state deserved “a governor who is honest, consistent, and genuinely committed to their safety.”

They berated Lawal’s approach as exploitative, accusing him of seeking to benefit politically from the achievements of others.