In light of the escalating security situation in Zamfara State due to increased banditry activities, Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu Shikafi, President of the African Youth for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria and former adviser to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state to reinstate law and order.
During an interview in Kaduna, Dr. Shikafi expressed that all the local government areas in the state are now under the control of the bandits. Dr. Shikafi stated, “Zamfara State is in a dire situation. The bandits have taken control over all local government areas, overshadowing the authority of the governor. The governor’s whereabouts are unknown, with reports suggesting he has returned to America after traveling with other northern governors two weeks ago, leaving his people vulnerable to attacks by these criminal elements.
“We implore President Tinubu to exercise his discretionary powers by declaring a state of emergency in Zamfara and deploying specialized troops to restore law and order within a timeframe of three to six months. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo resorted to a similar action when the former Plateau State governor, Joshua Dariye, lost control of the state.
“Mr. President, please remember your commitment to stand by us, considering the substantial support you received from the North West. It is now time to reciprocate. The most effective course of action is to implement a state of emergency,” he emphasized.
Dr. Shikafi praised the efforts of the police, military, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the populace, even at the cost of their lives in the line of duty.
Regarding the protests against Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Dr. Shikafi highlighted, “During my tenure as part of the Matawalle administration, he left N11 billion in the Zamfara State treasury. We established various assets including houses, hotels, and shares.
“Hence, accusations of Matawalle embezzling N700 billion within a year in a state that receives between N3 and N4 billion in federal allocation monthly are unfounded. Those aligning themselves with the All Progressives Congress (APC) are misguided.
“I urge these individuals to cease their unwarranted attacks on Matawalle, as we are no longer willing to stand idly by.”
Conversely, Alhaji Ashiru Tukur, Chairman of the APC Youth Wing Mobilisation Vanguard, contended that those inciting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle, lack understanding of the law.
Tukur asserted that efforts to tarnish the reputation of Matawalle and former Governor Abdulaziz Yari will be futile as long as they fulfill their duties. He lauded the EFCC for dismissing the protesters and their backers, emphasizing that they should refrain from dictating its operations.
“The individuals campaigning against Matawalle exhibit ignorance of legal procedures and the functioning of institutions like the EFCC. The ministerial nominees of President Bola Tinubu underwent due process before being approved by the National Assembly, underscoring our concern regarding the continued protest to influence the EFCC, “Tukur concluded.
From: Nwakaji Peace Martins
