The Zamfara Elders Support for Peace and Development group has urged Governor Dauda Lawal to prioritize good governance rather than criticizing the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle.
Hon. Aliyu Mammani Kaura, the group’s spokesperson, emphasized that Governor Lawal should concentrate on fostering unity, development, and political cohesion in Zamfara. The group condemned any actions that could exacerbate tensions and detract from the state’s efforts to address banditry.
The group expressed disapproval of Governor Lawal’s recent public criticism of Matawalle, describing it as “uncalled for.” They highlighted that Matawalle’s tenure was characterized by transparency and efforts towards peace and security, which positively impacted Zamfara.
Acknowledging the significant challenges faced by Zamfara, including poor social amenities and economic destruction due to insecurity, the group noted the dedication of previous governors such as Yerima, Shinkafi, Yari, and Matawalle, despite their imperfections.
The group also praised President Tinubu’s support for military actions against bandits and called for continued efforts to tackle banditry in Zamfara and neighboring states like Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaduna. They stressed the importance of focusing on effective governance and cautioning against those who misuse executive power for personal gain.
Recently, Governor Lawal signed the 2024 “Budget of Rescue,” which aims to boost domestic and foreign investments, enhance productivity, and improve ease of doing business in Zamfara.