The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) has condemned calls for a state of emergency in Zamfara State, describing the agitation as politically motivated, unconstitutional and an attempt to derail Governor Dauda Lawal’s development agenda.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, PAPSD’s executive director, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, said the situation in Zamfara bore no similarity to that of Rivers State where a state of emergency was recently declared. According to Shinkafi, attempts to provoke federal intervention in Zamfara are being driven by a political cabal threatened by the governor’s “giant strides” in governance and transformation.
“Zamfara is not in a state of war, and what is happening does not justify emergency rule,” Shinkafi stated, “The rising insecurity is seasonal, tied to farming activities that attract bandit extortion, and is being exaggerated by recycled social media footage of past attacks.”
Highlighting Governor Lawal’s achievements, the group praised his administration for implementing the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, initiating urban renewal projects and restoring social amenities. PAPSD emphasised that his administration had made significant progress in curbing insecurity, compared to previous governments.
The group criticised opposition politicians for allegedly sponsoring youth protests to call for federal intervention, warning that such actions were unconstitutional and reckless.
“Nigeria is not a banana republic,” Shinkafi said, referencing sections of the 1999 Constitution that outline proper procedures for removing a sitting governor or declaring a state of emergency.
PAPSD further noted that only the president, upon meeting specific constitutional conditions, can declare a state of emergency – and even then, with legislative approval. “The constitution does not empower the president to appoint a sole administrator over any state,” the group added.
Addressing recent political unrest within the Zamfara State House of Assembly, PAPSD acknowledged the suspension of nine lawmakers and the formation of a parallel assembly. However, it dismissed any possibility of a legitimate impeachment, noting that neither faction controls the constitutionally required two-thirds majority.
Dr. Shinkafi urged all legislators to “shield their political swords” and work in unity for the benefit of their constituents. He also called on Governor Lawal to convene an emergency security summit involving community stakeholders, and appealed to the federal government to empower the military with adequate resources to tackle criminal elements.
“As a pro-democracy group, PAPSD will continue to advocate for peace, security, and development across Nigeria,” Shinkafi said.
