Governor Dauda Lawal has come under fire from the Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the ongoing insecurity in the state.
Through its spokesperson, Yusuf Idris, the party expressed regret that Lawal’s administration has made the state’s insecurity situation worse.
The governor was accused of not keeping his campaign pledge to put an end to banditry within three months of taking office.
Idris contended that Lawal was failing in his responsibilities while armed groups persisted in attacking civilians.
Idris said, “Governor Lawal must be getting ready to celebrate his second year anniversary with a broken promise that he made during his campaigns for governor in advance of the 2023 elections.”
He criticized the governor for what he described as a careless approach, saying that rather than demonstrating leadership and compassion during times of crisis, Lawal frequently left the state.
Idris further disputed the governor’s assertions that state hospitals provide free medical care to banditry victims, stating that many victims are turned away from care because of a lack of funding.
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He claimed to have seen firsthand how victims were turned away from Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau due to their inability to pay.
Mustafa Kaura, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communications, responded to the charge by calling the APC’s claims “baseless and unfounded.”
He backed Governor Lawal’s security strategy, stating that since the current administration took office, notable advancements have been made.
“Everyone is aware of the outstanding progress Governor Dauda Lawal is making in the battle against banditry.
Many communities were virtually abandoned during Governor Matawalle’s leadership. People are going back to their communities today,” Kaura stated.
In order to lessen the scope of attacks, he cited recent measures such as the hiring of civilian security guards and more financing for security operations.
Kaura also reminded the APC that Bello Matawalle, the former state governor and current minister of defense, is a member of the APC and shares accountability for national security issues.
Kaura urged the opposition to cease shifting blame and back continuous attempts to bring about peace, accusing them of politicizing the state’s problems.
“As he is well aware that Governor Lawal does not have command of the security agencies, it is dishonorable for APC members to place all the blame on him,” he said.
