Zamfara, Katsina Governors’ Absence At Meeting With Security Chiefs Faulted

A group, Safeguard Zamfara Coalition (SZC) has expressed deep disappointment and frustration towards the governors of Zamfara and Katsina states for their alleged disregard of a crucial meeting initiated by the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum with security chiefs.

In a statement by the president general of SZC, Saminu Tukur, and made available to journalists in Abuja, yesterday, he said this meeting was aimed at finding a way to address the current security crisis in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara and Katsina states which have been plagued by escalating insecurity.

He said the SZC, dedicated to promoting peace and security in Zamfara and the surrounding regions, condemned the actions of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Governor Umar Raddah of Katsina for failing to participate in the discussion that could have potentially yielded solutions to the dire security situation.

He added that these two governors, whose states have borne the brunt of the violence and bloodshed, had a responsibility to engage in dialogue and cooperation in order to safeguard the lives and well-being of their citizens.

The SZC noted that the governors’ reliance on civilian forces (Yan Sa Kai) to combat the security challenges has only exacerbated the crisis, adding that the unregulated and often indiscriminate operations by the Yan Sa Kai have led to further violence and chaos, contributing to the deterioration of the security environment in the North-West region.

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He said the SZC wants to highlight the need for a more strategic and coordinated approach to address the root causes of insecurity, rather than resorting to short-sighted and potentially harmful tactics such as unleashing the Yan Sa Kai.

“The SZC sternly warns against any attempts by the Zamfara and Katsina governors to politicize the security issue at the expense of the lives and safety of the people. We emphasize that the security and well-being of the citizens should always remain the top priority, and warn the governors to set aside their personal interests and engage in meaningful efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

“The failure of Governor Lawal and Governor Raddah to engage in the dialogue with the security chiefs reflects a troubling lack of commitment and leadership on their part. It is disheartening to see the governors of the worst-hit states turning a blind eye to opportunities for meaningful deliberations and cooperation, especially when the lives and security of their citizens are at stake,” he said.

He added that the SZC’s condemnation of the actions of the Zamfara and Katsina governors underscores the urgent need for strong and principled leadership in addressing the security challenges facing Northern Nigeria. He said the governors must rise above petty politics and personal agendas, and work with seriously-minded genuinely concerned stakeholders towards finding lasting solutions that will bring peace and stability to the region.

He said the lives and well-being of the people should be the paramount concern, and any actions by any governor that put them at risk or further endanger their security would not be tolerated. “It is time for the governors to prioritise the safety and security of their citizens above all else, and take meaningful steps to address the current security crisis in a responsible and effective manner,” he said.