The Zamfara Peace Initiatives Forum (ZAPIF) has emphasized the need for emulating former Gov. Bello Matawalle’s strategy in combating security challenges bedeviling Zamfara state and beyond.
ZAPIF Acting Secretary, Alhaji Ahmad Bako, made the suggestion during an interactive session with the newsmen on Monday.
Bako, a holder of traditional title of Danmadamin Kucheri, highlighted that
the ex- Gov. Matawalle and current Minister of State Defense had implemented numerous strategies to combat the banditry and other criminalities that plagued the state.
” It is important to recall that when he assumed office, the issue of banditry had already been entrenched, having persisted through the tenure of his predecessor, Governor Abdulaziz Yari. Despite Yari’s efforts over eight years, the banditry crisis remained unresolved.
” Matawalle’s stewardship approached the situation with energy, passion, and determination, aiming to bring an end to the insecurity he had inherited.
” His first 100 days in office were a remarkable period of peace, with no reports of killings or kidnappings for ransom. However, the hard-won peace was short-lived as banditry resurfaced, escalating to unprecedented levels, he said.
Bako added that in response, Matawalle employed various strategies, even going as far as engaging directly with the bandits in order to convince them to abandon their criminal activities.
” Despite these efforts, recent allegations against Matawalle appear to be politically motivated, designed to tarnish his reputation and overlook the genuine work he undertook during his time as Governor.
” These politically driven accusations fail to recognize the significant efforts on record that reflect Matawalle’s dedication to restoring peace. Those who seek to undermine his legacy seem intent on blinding the public to the truth, Bako added.
According to him, fortunately, the historical record stands as a testament to Matawalle’s commitment to ensuring peace not just in Zamfara State, but across Nigeria.
He further explained that during Matawalle’s first 100 days in office, peace prevailed throughout Zamfara State. On September 8, 2019, the Igbo community was the first to publicly commend the governor, with media outlets reporting, “Igbo Residents Laud Zamfara Governor for Tackling Insecurity.”
He noted that when the security situation worsened, Matawalle actively sought solutions, for example, public witnessed his relentless efforts, including frequent visits to the Presidential Villa and outreach to neighboring states and even countries like Niger.
He said on June 22, 2020, after a meeting with the Chief of Staff to the former President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Gambari, Matawalle briefed the media about the security situation in Zamfara.
He also met with then-President Buhari on several occasions, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Nigerian military chiefs on several occasions, seeking support.
According to him, on August 25, 2021, as the situation in northern Nigeria became critical, Matawalle called for a state of emergency on security, extending his concern beyond Zamfara. In a drastic move, he advised the people of Zamfara to arm themselves for self-defense and instructed the Commissioner of Police to issue licenses to willing citizens.
Additionally, he ordered the closure of markets and filling stations in heavily affected areas and authorized security forces to shoot any motorbike rider on sight in restricted zones.
” Matawalle also made the difficult decision to shut down telecommunication networks in the state for several months, aiming to disrupt bandit communications.
” He championed peace accords similar to those implemented in addressing Boko Haram and Niger Delta security challenges.
” On the issue of alleged corruption, let’s be fair in evaluating the facts. Consider the comparison between Governor Matawalle’s award of the airport contract for ₦11.4 billion and Dauda Lawal’s approval of the same project for a staggering ₦62.8 billion. Which of these seems more excessive or potentially fraudulent, ” Bako questioned.
The Secretary averred that Matawalle’s efforts to secure peace, both in Zamfara and beyond, are well-documented. Despite the political machinations aimed at discrediting him, his legacy as a governor who took decisive action in the face of insecurity will endure.
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