Banditry: Yari Defends Matawalle, Urges Governor Dauda Lawal to Prioritize Governance Over Blame

Former Zamfara State Governor and current Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, His Excellency Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, has advised Governor Dauda Lawal to focus on the pressing issues of governance, particularly the escalating insecurity in the state, rather than engaging in a blame game against his predecessor, Bello Matawalle.

Senator Yari emphasized that insecurity in Zamfara is a long-standing challenge that previous administrations, including his own and Matawalle’s, have grappled with. He urged Governor Lawal to channel his efforts into finding lasting solutions rather than directing unguarded remarks and accusations towards Matawalle, who, according to Yari, made substantial efforts during his tenure to address the issue of banditry.

Yari, who served as Zamfara’s governor for eight years, reflected on the security challenges he faced during his administration, noting that he was the first governor in the state to confront the severe and rapidly escalating threat of banditry. Despite the enormity of the challenge, Yari explained that he took decisive steps to mitigate the situation, implementing policies aimed at stabilizing the region. He pointed out that security issues in Zamfara are complex and require a multifaceted approach, which he tried to pursue, even though the results were not as immediate as expected.

According to Yari, Governor Matawalle, who succeeded him, also inherited these deep-rooted security issues and took a different approach by engaging with the leadership of various bandit groups in the state in an effort to negotiate peace. Yari commended Matawalle’s reconciliation strategy, noting that it mirrored approaches taken by other northern governors who faced similar crises in the north-western region of Nigeria. He urged Governor Lawal to consider adopting a similar path, stressing that the issue of banditry cannot be solved through blame or rhetoric but through pragmatic and inclusive measures.

Yari further advised Governor Lawal to convene a meeting of key stakeholders in Zamfara State to seek practical advice, collaboration, and support in tackling the insecurity that continues to plague the region. He expressed that these stakeholders, comprising security experts, traditional leaders, community representatives, and political figures, would bring valuable insights and suggestions that could help mitigate the current crisis. The Senator was clear in his message that casting blame on past administrations will not solve the issue and may only distract from the urgent task of restoring peace and stability.

In addressing recent criticisms aimed at Bello Matawalle, now serving as Minister of State for Defense, Yari expressed concern over attempts to undermine the former governor’s contributions. He argued that Matawalle has continued to serve the nation in his new role and has been making efforts to support national security within the scope of his responsibilities. Yari urged Zamfara’s political leadership and the general public to view Matawalle as a representative of the state at the federal level and to give him the support necessary for him to succeed in his role.

In a broader appeal, Senator Yari called for unity among Zamfara’s political class. He cautioned against the continuous political bickering, which he said could hinder the development and progress of the state. Yari stressed the importance of setting aside partisan differences in favor of collaborative efforts aimed at resolving the state’s challenges, particularly in the area of security, which is critical for economic growth and social cohesion.

In conclusion, Yari underscored that the current administration, like those before it, faces a monumental task in addressing Zamfara’s security issues. He urged Governor Lawal to take proactive steps and lead with a sense of responsibility and inclusiveness, reminding him that the people of Zamfara expect action, not accusations, to bring about peace and prosperity in the state.

Idris Ali
Media Analyst