A coalition of civil society organizations in Zamfara has criticized Governor Dauda Lawal over reports that he is engaging in discussions with bandits, despite previously opposing such negotiations.
The Coalition of Zamfara Civil Society Organization Forums released a statement accusing Lawal of contradicting his earlier stance on security measures.
Usman Khalid, the coalition’s spokesperson, pointed to what he called a shift in Lawal’s policy, highlighting that the governor had once been a vocal critic of his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, for holding peace talks with armed groups.
During his 2022 campaign, Lawal strongly condemned Matawalle’s approach, labeling him the “Minister of State Defense for Bandits” and insisting that negotiations had failed to curb insecurity.
He instead pledged a tougher, more aggressive stance against criminal elements.
However, as the next elections approach, reports suggest that Lawal is now engaging in talks with the same groups he once vowed to confront. This perceived shift in policy has sparked accusations of political opportunism and hypocrisy.
Last year, the Minister of Defence for State ,Dr Bello matawalle directed the Nigerian Army 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.
The coalition further accused Lawal of attempting to deceive the people of Zamfara.
“Dauda Lawal thought he could manipulate the people of Zamfara with his campaign rhetoric. But now, he is doing the same thing he once attacked. Does he think Zamfara people are fools?”
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.
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,” the statement said.
