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…Gov. Lawal remains steadfast, committed to robust security strategy – Spokesperson
The Coalition of Zamfara Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has criticized Governor Dauda Lawal over alleged negotiations with armed groups, accusing him of double standard in handling the state’s security challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its spokesperson, Usman Khalid, faulted Governor Lawal for engaging in discussions with bandits, despite previously condemning similar efforts by his predecessor, Bello Matawalle.
Khalid argued that Lawal had vehemently opposed Matawalle’s peace dialogue with armed groups, yet now appears to be adopting the same approach. He called for transparency in the governor’s security strategy, urging him to clarify his stance to the people of Zamfara.
The state has been grappling with persistent banditry, and successive administrations have struggled to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
Governor Lawal remains steadfast in his commitment to a robust security strategy, his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, has reaffirmed.
Addressing recent misinterpretations of the governor’s interview with BBC Hausa, Idris clarified that there has been no shift in the governor’s stance on tackling security challenges.
Idris was quoted as saying “The banditry issue has been a significant concern for people across Zamfara State, Northwest, and the entire country for decades,” according to a statement.
He noted “Governor Lawal made security his top priority during his campaign and has since fulfilled that promise with a relentless offensive against criminals terrorizing the state.”
“It should be made clear and on record that Governor Dauda Lawal’s position remains undisputed: no responsible government will negotiate with killers from a position of weakness. Negotiations should only occur from a position of strength,” he stated.
The group alleged that during his 2022 campaign, Lawal vehemently opposed Matawalle’s negotiations with bandits, derisively referring to him as the “Minister of State Defence for Bandits.”
At the time, Lawal insisted that such peace talks had failed to curb insecurity and instead vowed a tougher, more aggressive crackdown on criminal groups.
However, with another election on the horizon, reports now suggest that Lawal is engaging in similar negotiations with the same groups he once condemned. This apparent policy shift has sparked accusations of political opportunism.
Meanwhile, last year, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, directed the Nigerian Army to intensify efforts to eliminate bandit groups operating in Zamfara.
“Since the directive, peace has been restored, and thousands of bandits have been killed. Therefore, Dr. Matawalle deserves credit from the current governor, Dauda Lawal, because we are witnessing remarkable peace and going about our normal activities.”
The coalition accused Lawal of taking credit for this success despite not contributing financially or logistically to military operations.
“He forgets that he once claimed that the army and police belong to the federal government. Why is he now claiming success instead of thanking the President, the Minister of Defence, and the Nigerian Army?” the statement read.
Former Governor Matawalle, now serving as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, defended his past negotiations, arguing that they were part of a broader security strategy.
His approach involved consultations with traditional leaders and Islamic scholars and was supported by the Federal Government under then-President Muhammadu Buhari. Similar peace efforts were also undertaken in Katsina and Borno States.
Khalid asserted that these efforts helped stabilize Zamfara, contrasting them with what he described as Governor Lawal’s failure to fulfill his campaign promises.
He further alleged that Governor Lawal’s apparent policy reversal has led to growing frustration among Zamfara residents. A local youth leader voiced the concerns of many.
“We cannot be manipulated again. Lawal criticized Matawalle for negotiating with bandits, but now he is doing the same. His failed campaign promises are now exposed.”
Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report all efforts by Daily Independent to get the Governor Lawal’s Spokesperson Sulaiman Bala Idris through cell phone calls and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful as he was not picking his calls and respond to messages.
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