The pervasive insecurity in Zamfara State has drawn the attention of four former governors and their deputies, resulting in a closed-door meeting to find a lasting solution to the problem.
Minister Pledges Troop Deployment
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who is the immediate past governor of the state, promised to deploy troops to salvage the situation. According to him, “my state cannot be on fire while I am the Minister of State for Defence,” assuring that everything must be put in place. The minister, who held a meeting with his supporters, pledged that Zamfara must be fixed to be freed from armed banditry.
Senator Yari Calls for Stakeholder Cooperation
Also, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari promised to tackle the menace in his zone, calling on stakeholders to join hands in solving the problem across the state.
Governor Lawal Defects to APC
Meanwhile, Governor Dauda Lawal said he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to align with the four former governors and the Federal Government in efforts to restore law and order in the state. Lawal spoke yesterday while hosting a one-day APC Stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Gusau, ahead of the party’s congresses beginning tomorrow. The governor reiterated the need for a united front among top politicians in the state to tackle the insecurity confronting it. He noted that the meeting was the first of major APC stakeholders since he joined the party in March.
Unity Among Former Governors
Lawal arrived at the venue with the four ex-governors of the state, including Ahmad Sani, Mahmuda Shinkafi, Abdulaziz Yari, and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, alongside other top party faithful. The gathering underscored a collective resolve to address the security challenges that have plagued Zamfara for years, with all leaders committing to work together with the federal government to restore peace and stability.
This unprecedented show of unity among past and present leaders signals a new chapter in the fight against banditry, as stakeholders set aside political differences to prioritize the safety of citizens. The deployment of additional troops and enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms are expected to be key components of the renewed strategy.
