The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural group, has called on the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to thoroughly investigate a leaked memo allegedly linked to the Zamfara State Government.
The controversial memo reportedly approved dealings with high-profile bandits and influential individuals.
During a TVC interview on Wednesday, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal dismissed the memo as a forgery, stating that it had been analyzed and traced to certain unnamed individuals, who, he allegedly said, would face legal consequences.
But speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, emphasized that the memo touched on national security and should not be ignored.
He criticized Governor Lawal for what he described as continuous attacks on the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, instead of addressing the real issues.
Okwu further lamented that the governor had failed to focus on governance after over a year in office.
“It is disappointing that Governor Lawal has not made any significant progress in governing the state,” Okwu said.
He added, “Ordinarily, we would not involve ourselves in Zamfara State politics, but this matter has implications for national security. Nigerians have witnessed the circulation of a memo allegedly from the Zamfara State Government. After hearing the governor’s defence on TV, we believe ONSA should investigate the matter. It’s a serious issue that must not be swept under the rug. The document must be scrutinized, and appropriate action taken.”
Advising Governor Lawal to focus on governance, Okwu remarked, “The only recognition the governor has earned is ‘complainant of the year.’ In over 16 months in office, he has done little besides criticizing his predecessor. He appears to have been unprepared for the responsibilities of governance.”
He added, “It’s unacceptable for those elected to office to spend their time criticizing predecessors instead of fulfilling their mandate. Governor Lawal has achieved no substantial progress after 16 months and has relied on blaming others to mask his incompetence. If he cannot perform, he should step aside and allow someone more capable to govern Zamfara State.”
Okwu also accused the governor of neglecting his duties, saying, “He was elected to govern Zamfara but spends most of his time in Abuja and other cities, leaving the state vulnerable to criminal activities.”
The Ohanaeze youth leader commended the Nigerian Army for its successes in combating banditry and terrorism, stating, “Recent developments show that there is hope for Nigerians. We once again commend the NSA, the Service Chiefs, and the Defence Chiefs for their renewed efforts, which have led to these achievements in recent days.”
He further urged President Bola Tinubu to be wary of those who may attempt to undermine the progress made in the fight against insecurity in the country.
