The Zamfara Youth Alliance for Good Governance, has condemned Governor Dauda Lawal’s alleged absence from the state, especially during times of crisis.
A statement by the group’s chairman, Musa Saidu Birnin Magaji, said, “The governor’s frequent trips abroad, seemingly for personal interests, have left the people of Zamfara vulnerable to the mercy of bandits, kidnappers, and rapists. This absence reflects a lack of commitment and responsibility towards the citizens who elected him to serve and protect their interests.”
Magaji said they are deeply concerned about the frequent absence of Governor Dauda Lawal from the state in pursuit of his private interests abroad, and accused the governor of prioritising his personal affairs over the safety and well-being of the citizens who entrusted him with their votes.
The group recalled a distressing incident when female students from the Federal University, Gusau were abducted. “On the very day of the incident, Governor Lawal was in the country but chose to arrogantly fly out to the United States, leaving the victims and their parents to face their fate alone. This lack of empathy and disregard for the suffering of the people is deeply concerning and raises questions about the governor’s priorities,” Birnin Magaji said.
In contrast to Governor Lawal’s actions, the group highlighted the response of his predecessor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, during a similar incident in Bungudu. “Matawalle suspended all engagements and personally visited the scene, ensuring the rescue of the victims. This stark contrast in leadership styles underscores the governor’s failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people he serves,” he said.
The youths group expressed disappointment in Governor Lawal’s failure to visit the university where the female students were abducted.
“By not engaging with the affected community, the governor further alienates himself from the people and fails to provide the necessary support and reassurance during times of crisis.
“Governor Lawal’s failure to ensure the safety and security of the people of Zamfara has reached an alarming level,” the Group said.
Recognizing this dire situation, the youths called for the federal government to impose a state of emergency in the state pointing that Governor Lawal’s tenure has been marked by a glaring failure to fulfill his basic responsibility of safeguarding the lives and well-being of the people he leads.
They reminded the federal government that Zamfara State has been plagued by incessant attacks from armed bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements. These criminal activities have resulted in the loss of countless lives, displacement of communities, and the destruction of property.
“Lawal’s inability to remain in the state and work to effectively address these security challenges has left the people of Zamfara in a state of constant fear and vulnerability. Despite numerous promises and assurances, the governor has failed to support the implementation of comprehensive strategies to combat these criminal activities. His constant absence and the persistence of violence demonstrate a clear lack of leadership and a failure to prioritize the safety and security of the people.
“Given the gravity of the situation, we call for a state of emergency to provide the federal government with the necessary authority and resources to swiftly address the security crisis in Zamfara. It would enable the deployment of additional security personnel, the implementation of stricter measures, and the allocation of emergency funds to tackle the root causes of the problem.
“The imposition of a state of emergency is not an action to be taken lightly. However, in this case, it is the only remaining option to protect the lives and restore the security of the people of Zamfara. The urgency of the situation demands immediate intervention, and a state of emergency would provide the necessary framework to address the security challenges comprehensively,” the youths said.
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