The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has expressed grave concern over the recent public criticisms directed towards minister of state for Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle by Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal.
A statement by NAN chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Friday noted that the criticism was not only ill-timed but also appears to undermine the significant strides made in the fight against insecurity in the region.
Zamfara and its neighboring states have long suffered from a catastrophic security situation, where acts of banditry have ravaged communities and disrupted everyday life.
In response, Minister Matawalle has initiated several strategic measures aimed at curbing the violence, including the strategic deployment of military resources and enhanced community engagement.
Noteworthy successes under his leadership include the neutralization of key bandit leaders and the significant reduction of bandit forces operating in the region.
“These measures have not only brought a semblance of security back to affected areas but have also laid the ground work for the potential socio-economic revitalization that the region desperately needs.
Amidst this backdrop, the statement posited that “Governor Lawal’s vociferous attacks on Matawalle raise pertinent questions about his intentions.
His apparent culpability, particularly documented in a recently circulated letter titled ‘RE-NORTH-WESTERN GOVERNORS/UN-ORGANIZED SECURITY SUMMIT IN KATSINA, unveil a troubling nexus between the state government and criminal enterprises.
“What is particularly disheartening is that Lawal’s public disdain for Matawalle’s efforts seems motivated by a desire for political capital rather than genuine concern for public safety.
“His stance not only betrays a lack of understanding regarding the complexities of the security crisis in Northern Nigeria but also raises alarms about the potential ramifications of political discord on collective security efforts.
“As responsible leaders are expected to promote unity in the face of adversity, Lawal’s actions may serve to embolden criminal elements, distracting from the unified front that is critical in the ongoing fight against insecurity.
NAN contends that the prevailing successes against banditry in Zamfara and its surrounding regions are not merely the product of one individual’s efforts but rather a culmination of collaborative strategies involving diverse stakeholders, including community leaders and military operatives.
Thus the actions of Governor Lawal, particularly his pointed criticisms of the Defence Minister, could ripple through the political landscape in ways that undermine the fragile security gains achieved thus far.