The Northern Youth Development Association of Nigeria has accused Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal of manipulating insecurity as a political weapon, targeting the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, with a campaign of slander.
During a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Abdukadir Yusuf, the association’s National Secretary, emphasized that security should never be a battleground for partisan politics.
He asserted that the welfare of Zamfara’s citizens should take precedence over personal ambitions and political conflicts.
“Governor Lawal has appeared on multiple television shows, making baseless accusations, all in a bid to undermine Matawalle’s reputation and hinder his efforts to contribute to national security,” he said.
“Let me be clear: this is not just a personal attack on Dr. Matawalle—it is an attack on all Nigerians who desire peace, security, and good governance.”
Yusuf further stated, “By undermining the Minister of State for Defence, the governor is not just engaging in political vendetta; he is jeopardizing the fight against insurgency, banditry, and terrorism across the nation.”
He criticized Lawal’s leadership, noting, “This is a betrayal of the trust that the people of Zamfara placed in him when they elected him to serve.”
He added that following months of public outcry from civil society, political parties, and concerned citizens, Governor Lawal has finally reconstituted the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund, a body he neglected shortly after assuming office.
However, Yusuf dismissed this move as a desperate attempt to salvage a tarnished reputation rather than a proactive measure to address the growing security crisis.
“While Brigadier-General Abdulkadir Gumi has been appointed as the new chairman, and a fundraising committee established under the leadership of Alhaji Sambo Garba, one must ask: where was this sense of urgency when lives were being lost, when communities were being ravaged, and when bandits were tightening their grip on the state?”
He stressed, “The time for half-hearted measures is over. Zamfara’s people deserve more than belated actions taken under pressure. They deserve a governor who will put their safety first and work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, to restore peace and security.”
The National Coordinator of the association, Muhammad Umar Yakubu, revealed that allegations have emerged linking Governor Lawal to illegal mining operations.
He mentioned the arrest of notorious bandit leader Bashir Hadejia, whose reported confessions have allegedly fingered the governor in the illicit activities.
Yakubu also stated that there are accusations suggesting Lawal orchestrated protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration while deflecting attention from his failures in Zamfara.
“Such actions are deeply troubling and demand thorough investigation. The people of Zamfara deserve to know whether their governor is complicit in the very criminal activities he claims to be fighting,” Yakubu urged.
“If these allegations are proven true, they reveal a leader who is not only failing in his duty but actively contributing to the insecurity that has plagued our state.”
He called for unity in the pursuit of peace, noting, “Dr. Bello Matawalle, despite being relentlessly targeted by Governor Lawal, has remained focused on his mandate as the Minister of State for Defence.”
” He has pledged his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and has worked tirelessly to strengthen the nation’s security apparatus. Under his leadership, several notorious bandits, including Halilu Sububu, Kachalla Sani Black, and Kachalla Makore, have been eliminated, bringing a fragile peace to Zamfara and its neighboring states.”
Yakubu concluded, “These achievements are not mere coincidences—they are the result of dedicated leadership and a commitment to securing the lives of the Nigerian people.”
He advised Lawal, saying, “Instead of waging personal wars and engaging in political theater, he should work with the Federal Government, security agencies, and his predecessor to deliver on the promises he made to the people of Zamfara.”
He emphasized, “The 2027 elections are still years away—there is more than enough time to focus on governance, implement policies that will improve infrastructure, agriculture, education, and most importantly, security.”
“Let us be clear: the fight against banditry and insecurity is not a competition between politicians; it is a battle for the soul of our state and the future of our children. We cannot afford to lose this fight. The people of Zamfara deserve a government that will protect them, create opportunities for growth and development, and uphold the principles of justice and democracy.”
