The Coalition of Zamfara Civil Society Organization Forums has criticized Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, accusing him of taking undue credit for security improvements attributed to the federal government’s intervention.
In a statement signed by the coalition’s spokesperson, Aliyu Suleiman, and distributed to journalists in Abuja, the group alleged that Governor Lawal has not fulfilled his responsibilities as the state’s chief security officer.
The coalition recalled that early last year, Governor Lawal had told Zamfara residents that he was not in control of security agencies in the state and that citizens should direct their concerns to the federal government.
According to the group, it was only after this statement that the federal government, through the intervention of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, took decisive action to restore peace in Zamfara.
Recent security operations have led to the elimination of several high-profile bandits associated with the notorious leader Bello Turji. Among those neutralized were Sani Mai Nasara, Sani Black, Kachalla Auta, Kabiru Jan Geru, and Audu Gajere.
Furthermore, since President Bola Tinubu assigned Minister Bello Matawalle to oversee security efforts in Sokoto State, the level of insecurity has significantly declined, including in Zamfara State.
The statement further accused Governor Lawal of misleading the people during his 2022-2023 election campaign, when he reportedly promised to end insecurity within his first 100 days in office.
The coalition argued that even after nearly a year and a half in power, the governor was unable to fulfill this pledge until the intervention of Minister Matawalle.
“We urge him to stop taking credit for what does not belong to him,” the coalition said.
“He should acknowledge Minister Matawalle for his efforts, and the credit should go to the federal government, not him.”
