A group, the Hope Arewa Development Initiative (HADI), has faulted a claim by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) led by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko that the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, was treating banditry with kid gloves.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Dr Adamu Mohammed, National Coordinator, Hope Arewa Development Initiative (HADI), declared that the allegation by Comrade Onwubiko was not the true narrative and made nonsense of the determined efforts by the present administration in Zamfara State to guarantee the security of lives and property in the North West state.
He said, “If HURIWA will close their eyes and pretend to be sleeping, we need to send them a signal, especially on security; Governor Lawal has not been idle. The recruitment of over 4,000 civilians for a joint task force demonstrates a commitment to community-based solutions to the pressing issue of insecurity.
“This approach recognises that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved with the full participation and buy-in of local communities. Put differently, the Governor has donated brand new operational vehicles to all Police Divisional headquarters and their substations as a way of prioritising the safety of lives and properties.
“Day and night, Governor Lawal is there supporting security agencies to put an end to insecurity. The public is aware of the landmarks’ successes recorded in recent days. The fight against bandits in Zamfara is a phase and it shall be crushed.
“In furtherance to this, the initiation of a 108km road construction project from Gusau, the state capital, is a clear indication of Governor Lawal’s dedication to improving infrastructure and connectivity within the state.
“Such projects are essential for economic development, facilitating trade, and improving access to essential services for rural communities.
“Perhaps most significantly, Governor Lawal has taken the bold step of banning illegal mining activities in Zamfara State. This decision, which HURIWA conveniently fails to mention, directly addresses one of the root causes of insecurity in the region.
“By acknowledging the connection between illegal mining and banditry and pledging to collaborate with the federal government to tackle high-profile bandits, Governor Lawal is demonstrating a clear-eyed understanding of the complex challenges facing his state.
“It is in light of these concrete actions that HURIWA’s critique of Governor Lawal rings particularly hollow. To accuse the governor of being “preoccupied with discrediting Matawalle” while the state suffers is not only disingenuous but flies in the face of observable reality.
“Governor Lawal has shown through his actions that he is focused on addressing the pressing issues facing Zamfara State, from insecurity to economic instability and educational development.”
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