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Zamfara youths frown at governor Lawal’s absence in times of crisis
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Zamfara Youth Alliance for Good Governance, has condemns Governor Dauda Lawal’s continuous absence from the state, especially during times of crisis.
A statement by the group’s Chairman, Musa Saidu Birnin Magaji, said, “the governor’s frequent trips abroad, seemingly for personal interests, have left the people of Zamfara vulnerable to the mercy of bandits, kidnappers, and rapists.
According to him,this absence reflects a lack of commitment and responsibility towards the citizens who elected him to serve and protect their interests.”
Magaji said they are deeply concerned about the frequent absence of Governor Dauda Lawal from the state in pursuit of his private interests abroad, the group emphasized the governor’s negligence in prioritizing his personal affairs over the safety and well-being of the citizens who entrusted him with their votes.
The group recalls a distressing incident when female students from the Federal University, Gusau were abducted. “On the very day of the incident, Governor Lawal was in the country but chose to arrogantly fly out to the United States, leaving the victims and their parents to face their fate alone.
” This lack of empathy and disregard for the suffering of the people is deeply concerning and raises questions about the governor’s priorities,” Birnin Magaji said.
In contrast to Governor Lawal’s actions, the group highlighted the response of his predecessor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, during a similar incident in Bungudu. “Matawalle suspended all engagements and personally visited the scene, ensuring the rescue of the victims. This stark contrast in leadership styles underscores the governor’s failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people he serves,” he said.
The youths group expressed disappointment in Governor Lawal’s failure to visit the university where the female students were abducted.
“By not engaging with the affected community, the governor further alienates himself from the people and fails to provide the necessary support and reassurance during times of crisis
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“Governor Lawal’s failure to ensure the safety and security of the people of Zamfara has reached an alarming level,” the Group said.
“Lawal’s inability to remain in the state and work to effectively address these security challenges has left the people of Zamfara in a state of constant fear and vulnerability.
” Despite numerous promises and assurances, the governor has failed to support the implementation of comprehensive strategies to combat these criminal activities. His constant absence and the persistence of violence demonstrate a clear lack of leadership and a failure to prioritize the safety and security of the people.
“Given the gravity of the situation, we call for a state of emergency to provide the federal government with the necessary authority and resources to swiftly address the security crisis in Zamfara. It would enable the deployment of additional security personnel, the implementation of stricter measures, and the allocation of emergency funds to tackle the root causes of the problem.
“The imposition of a state of emergency is not an action to be taken lightly. However, in this case, it is the only remaining option to protect the lives and restore the security of the people of Zamfara. The urgency of the situation demands immediate intervention, and a state of emergency would provide the necessary framework to address the security challenges comprehensively.
“Delaying the imposition of a state of emergency in Zamfara would only exacerbate the suffering of the people and further undermine their trust in the government’s ability to protect them.
“The longer the security crisis persists, the more lives will be lost, and the more communities will be displaced. It is imperative that the federal government acts swiftly to restore peace and security in Zamfara.
“The federal government must assertively intervene by imposing a state of emergency to protect the lives and restore the security of the people. Prompt action is crucial to prevent further loss of lives and to rebuild the trust of the people in their government.
“The people of Zamfara deserve a leader who is committed to their welfare and safety, and it is the governor’s duty to fulfill his responsibilities accordingly,” Birnin Magaji said.
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media and Public Communications to Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to the recent appointment of Bashir Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.).
Olayinka took to X (formerly Twitter) to address discussions surrounding this leadership transition. His post aimed to clarify that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not dismiss Mele Kyari, a northerner, to replace him with a southerner, as some speculated. Instead, Olayinka pointed out that Ojulari, like Kyari, hails from the northern region of Nigeria.
According to Olayinka’s post on his official X account, he emphasised that Bashir Ojulari is from Kwara State, located in North Central Nigeria. Additionally, the new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, originates from Borno State in the North East.
His post stated: “Bashir Ojulari, the new NNPCL CEO, is a northerner from Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. The new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is also a northerner, from Borno State, North East Nigeria.”
Olayinka’s statement came in response to narratives suggesting that the appointment was politically motivated to favour one region over another.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, while warning against retaliatory violence targeting Southerners in Northern Nigeria.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, MBF Spokesman Luka Binniyat denounced inflammatory threats from individuals claiming to represent Northern interests in response to the killings.
Recalled that the victims, were allegedly armed hunters, traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano when they were attacked by a mob that accused them of being kidnappers.
“The MBF strongly condemns the unlawful killing of any Nigerian citizen, including those who lost their lives in Uromi,” the statement read. “However, we categorically reject any attempt to use this tragic incident as a pretext to unleash violence against Southerners residing in Northern Nigeria.”
The forum assured that the Middle Belt would not become a battleground for reprisals, emphasizing that it remains a safe haven for all law-abiding Nigerians. It urged community leaders and youths to remain vigilant and prevent any attempts to instigate violence, calling for anyone with such intentions to be handed over to authorities.
The MBF also reaffirmed its commitment to justice for all victims of violence across Nigeria. The statement highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing Middle Belt communities, citing persistent attacks by armed herdsmen with little government intervention.
” We hope that the swift response to the Uromi killings would serve as a precedent for broader action against criminal elements terrorizing the region.
“Thousands of our people remain in captivity, and vast portions of our land are still under the control of violent outlaws—primarily Fulani militants,” the statement noted.
“Justice must be served across the board.”
The MBF concluded by reiterating its support for the ongoing investigation into the Uromi incident and calling for a fair and decisive crackdown on all forms of criminality across the country.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kabir Ibrahim kware, has commended governor Ahmed Aliyu for executing numerous developmental projects without taking loan from any financial institution.
Ibrahim Kware whp gave the commendation when he led other members of the State Assembly on Sallah homage to governor Aliyu, added that, the governor is very prudent in managing resources to achieve results.
“There was never a time you approached us with a request for permission to borrow money from any financial institutions whether at home or abroad,”he affirmed.
This , according to him, is worthy of commendation considering the myriad people- oriented projects the governor is executing across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the State’s Judiciary, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa, commended the governor for the construction of additional Court rooms at the State High Court.
Justice Sifawa also expressed delight over the way and manner the governor responds to issues affecting the Judiciary, which he said, is a clear testimony of the good working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state.
Responding to the commendations, governor Ahmed Aliyu appealed for more synergy among the three tiers of government in the overall development of the state.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to governor Alhmed Aliyu reaffirmed his principal’s unwavering commitment of the executive arm to providing the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state,in line with his campaign promises.
The governor also urged lawmakers to present all the needs of their constituencies for prompt and diligent implementation.
“”I want to assure you that my doors are always open for you at any given time, to listen to the demands of your people.”
He reminded them on the need to put politics aside and work together with the executive arm for the progress and even development of the people they represent.
Turning to the members of the State Judiciary, the governor appealed to Judges and Khadis to ensure the quick dispensation of justice, so as to decongest the correctional centres.
“It is worrisome to see how inmates are languishing in correctional centres for minor offences in the name of awaiting trial.
“We recently appointed seven additional Judges and 7 Khadis, which is the first in the history of Sokoto State.
“The idea is to enhance the manpower in our Judiciary so as to speed up the dispensation of justice,” he added.
The governor further assured the members of the Judiciary of his administration’s readiness to ensure their welfare at all times.