Posted by The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), has urged on Governor Dauda Lawal to pursue policies that will control the security concerns in Zamfara State rather than the continual criticism of former Governor Bello Matawalle.
The forum added that Lawal has repeatedly been exploiting the name of his predecessor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who currently serves as the Minister of State for Defense, to deflect blame and destabilise the state.
A statement published in Kaduna on Friday by its President, Yerima Shettima, said that Governor Lawal’s activities are not only damaging to the prosperity of Zamfara State but also a disservice to its inhabitants.
He further said, “Governor Lawal’s persistent reliance on Matawalle’s name as a shield for his failures in providing security for the people of Zamfara is a clear indication of his inability to take responsibility for his own actions.”
”Instead of addressing the pressing security concerns in the state, Lawal has resorted to using his predecessor’s name to deflect blame and avoid accountability, the strategy not only undermines the citizens’ trust but also hampers any potential progress in resolving the security crisis.
“A governor’s first duty is to protect the security and safety of the people they represent in all aspects of life.”
The forum alleged that Lawal’s tenure has been marred by a continuous rise in insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, stressing that rather than implementing effective strategies to combat these issues, Lawal has chosen to exploit Matawalle’s name, who is currently serving in a different capacity, to divert attention from his own shortcomings.
By using Matawalle’s name, the forum observed that Governor Lawal is not only misleading the public but also undermining the efforts of the Minister of State Defense in his current role, adding that Matawalle’s position as a minister demands his full attention and dedication to national security matters.
The forum highlighted that leveraging the name of Bello Matawalle for personal gain not only distracts from his obligations but also attempts to erode the trust put in him by the federal government.
The group added that Governor Lawal’s actions have far-reaching ramifications for the people of Zamfara, pointing out that by neglecting to address the security concerns head-on, Lawal maintains a cycle of violence and instability in the state.
The conference called on President Tinubu to observe that the acts of Lawal are part of a bigger plot to cripple the growing popularity of his administration that is pushed and defended by his Defense Minister, Matawalle.