The Arewa Youth Vanguard (AYV) has strongly condemned recent calls for the imposition of emergency rule in Zamfara State, following the escalating security challenges in the region.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group, led by coordinator Lawal Dantala Mani, alleged that the groups behind these calls are are reportedly linked to Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.
The AYV accused certain individuals of exploiting the security situation for political gain, without regard for the potential harm their actions could inflict on the government and national security.
The statement read in part: “We are compelled to respond to recent statements from groups, widely believed to be sponsored by Dr. Bello Matawalle, which call for the imposition of emergency rule in Zamfara and the resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar.”
The group condemned these calls, describing them as misguided and reflective of a misunderstanding of Nigeria’s security governance structure. It emphasized that the control and oversight of Nigeria’s security forces, including the Army and Police, rests solely with the federal government, as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
The statement also questioned the motives behind the selective focus on Zamfara’s security crisis, highlighting that other states, such as Borno, Benue, and Niger, have been grappling with equally severe or more devastating security issues. The AYV expressed concern over what it perceived as an attempt to manipulate the security situation for personal and political advancement, which it said could further destabilize the region.
While acknowledging the challenges in Zamfara, the group pointed to recent security improvements in parts of Northern Nigeria, including along the Kaduna-Abuja highway, where travelers now feel safer. It cautioned that undermining these efforts through calls for emergency measures would only weaken the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security.
The AYV also raised questions about the credibility of government officials involved in such calls, particularly Dr. Matawalle, accusing him of undermining the government that appointed him. The group warned that such actions could erode public trust and destabilize the national security framework.
The Arewa Youth Vanguard, however ,urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and the Ministry of Defence to act swiftly to restore order in Zamfara and ensure that the integrity of Nigeria’s security apparatus is safeguarded.
The group also called for a thorough investigation into the involvement of top government officials in the spreading of misinformation that could compromise the country’s security efforts.
