National
Cleric faults governor Lawal for banditry surge, absolves Matawalle
An Islamic cleric, Sheik Abdulrahaman Azzamfari, has accused Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, for his alleged failure to effectively respond to the persistent threat of armed banditry, leaving innocent civilians to bear the brunt of the devastating consequences.
Azzamfari has drawn a stark comparison between the current administration’s approach and that of the previous governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, asserting that Lawal’s governance lacks the necessary courage and resolve to combat the wave of violence effectively.
In a series of scathing video statements, the prominent cleric posited that bandits have sensed a power vacuum in the government, leading to an escalation in their attacks on vulnerable communities.
He noted that just in one year of the Lawal administration, Zamfara State, particularly Tsafe Local Government Area, is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis fueled by a complex interplay of insecurity, agricultural disruption, and socio-economic turmoil.
The cleric lamented that the State’s Governor Lawal appears to have either underestimated the severity of the crisis or has been living in isolation or in total denial or woefully ill-informed about the realities on the ground.
Azzamfari said: “Governor Lawal’s approach has lacked the necessary courage and resolve to combat banditry effectively and that Lawal has clearly failed to exhibit the urgency required to address the wave of violence, which has tragically resulted in more deaths, destruction of property, and widespread displacement in just one year than what was witnessed throughout Matawalle’s four-year tenure.
“This stark comparison places significant scrutiny on Lawal’s governance and raises questions about the strategies employed to ensure public safety in a state that has long suffered from the scourge of violent crime.”
The cleric posited that bandits have sensed a power vacuum in the government. With the absence of a decisive response to their activities, these criminal elements have felt emboldened, leading to an escalation in their attacks on vulnerable communities.
Azzamfari highlights a fundamental aspect of governance: the necessity for a strong and resolute leadership that prioritizes the protection of its citizens.
The Sheikh added, “In just one year of the Governor Lawal administration, Zamfara State, particularly Tsafe Local Government Area, is currently facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis fueled by a complex interplay of insecurity, agricultural disruption, and socio-economic turmoil.
“In the eastern forest regions, where farming is a way of life, the conflict has rendered many agricultural lands untenable, jeopardizing the livelihoods of countless families. The serenity of the lush forest that connects the Giwa and Maradun regions has been supplanted by turmoil, pushing communities into a desperate state of existence.
“The recurrence of violence and lawlessness in Zamfara has created a paradoxical environment where the act of farming has become a treacherous undertaking. Although farmers have cultivated their lands, they face insurmountable challenges in harvesting their crops, risks that include violent reprisals from extremist groups that are reportedly operating with impunity.
“The farming prohibition imposed on refugees exacerbates an already dire situation, as those who seek solace in agricultural endeavors are met with hostility and potential retribution.”
He lamented that the State’s leadership, particularly the governor who is the chief security officer, appears to have either underestimated the severity of the crisis or has been leaving in isolation or in total denial or woefully ill-informed about the realities on the ground.
He said reports suggest that individuals have been reduced to conditions akin to slavery, trapped in a cycle of hunger and poverty with little to no assistance from the government tasked with their protection. In a region where food security has been shattered, basic necessities become luxuries, pushing many to the brink of survival.
Azzamfari stressed the pressing need for reconciliation among warring factions and societal groups within Zamfara because the very fabric that sustains these communities is fraying under the weight of violence and mistrust, which has been exacerbated by a growing culture of fear. Notably, Islamic clergy who advocate for reconciliation are subjected to threats and violence, illustrating a profound disregard for constructive dialogue. It is alarming to consider that the Ulama—figures vital to community development—are marked for elimination simply for espousing peace.
He lamented further that the setting up of volunteer forces by governor Lawal to enforce compliance with state policies raises ethical concerns. While the intent may be to restore order, empowering vigilante groups, especially in a volatile setting, only worsens the cycle of violence and further alienate the affected communities. A sustainable and peaceful resolution cannot be achieved through fear tactics or violent reprisals; it must involve strategic dialogue that incorporates all stakeholders, including the marginalized voices of the affected populace.
He advised that to begin mending the torn fabric of Zamfara, the government must prioritize open channels of communication and community engagement. It must also ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in desperate need, establishing safe conditions under which farming can resume. Acknowledge the farmers, traders, and families who have persevered through adversity despite the odds stacked against them.
He warned that the current dependencies on violence and intimidation can lead only to further despair. It is imperative that the government not only acknowledges the reality of the situation but also actively engages in reconciliation efforts that restore hope and security for all residents.
The path forward must be paved with collaboration, empathy, and a firm commitment to rebuilding shattered lives and communities. Only then can the people of Zamfara reclaim their dignity and emerge from this disaster with resilience and strength.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
National
Nigeria Advocates for Collaborative Border Control Efforts with Sahel and West African Nations
Nigeria is seeking enhanced collaboration with Sahelian and West African nations to facilitate effective information and data sharing for improved border control measures.
During a press briefing on Tuesday at the Border Security Summit in London, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized the necessity for regional cooperation.
“There is a critical need for countries within the Sahel and West African subregions to collaborate more effectively for better international partnerships and information dissemination,” he stated.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the importance of proactive strategies to not only address ongoing issues but to prevent future occurrences. “The major takeaway from this summit is the emphasis on proactivity rather than mere reaction, as nations increasingly aim to criminalize irregular migration.”
He described the summit as a significant opportunity for border control ministers to collaborate in safeguarding their nations’ borders.
The minister pointed out that organized immigration crimes are not confined to individual countries but are a collective issue requiring shared solutions. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to combating border-related crimes through the implementation of effective strategies.
“Nigeria has developed a comprehensive border control solution, recognizing that we are not just a transit point. Our systems have been automated with numerous measures introduced to secure our borders and eradicate irregular migration,” he affirmed.
“We cannot afford to lose the battle before it begins, and we are confident that, through this summit, we can present a united front to effectively tackle this challenge,” Tunji-Ojo assured.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing its immigration policies and collaborating with global partners to combat transnational crimes, including human trafficking, smuggling, and document fraud.
According to NAN, the summit convened over 30 world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, to address significant issues related to border control and organized immigration crime (OIC). The event served as a platform for international cooperation on migration policies, security threats, and strategies to counter illegal immigration activities. (NAN)
The Nigerian electricity sector slowed in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with the electricity production index declining by 1.64% year-on-year (y-o-y).
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says this marks a reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).
Average estimated electricity generation rose by 2.34% to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024.
Similarly, electricity consumption saw a modest increase of 2.63%, reaching 4,105.66 MW/h from 4,000.24 MW/h in the preceding quarter.
This is as the Nigerian economy witnessed widespread expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with 21 out of 22 subsectors recording positive growth.
On a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) basis, however, the subsector showed signs of recovery, as the index rose by 22.50% compared to a significant decline of 49.46% in the previous quarter.
The broad-based economic expansion in Q4 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including improved business confidence, increased consumer spending, and enhanced performance in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
The government’s fiscal and monetary policies, aimed at stabilising inflation and boosting investment, also contributed to the positive momentum.
According to the CBN, the improvement was largely attributed to enhanced gas supply to thermal power stations and the continued implementation of the Siemens Power Project, which has positively impacted power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
Notably, the oil and gas sector benefited from relatively stable crude oil prices and improved domestic production, which provided a boost to overall economic output.
The data also stated that the non-oil sector, particularly fintech and digital services, also played a significant role in driving economic activities.