Connect with us

National

Cleric faults governor Lawal for banditry surge, absolves Matawalle

Published

9 months ago

on

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.”

ALSO READ:  Navy has rid Calabar waterways of piracy, oil bunkering —FOC

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.

ALSO READ:  Forensic Audit of NNPC Initiated, Confirms Wale Edun

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.

ALSO READ:  CCD Appoints Mrs. Florence Austin As The Interim Head

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.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National

APC Group To Tinubu:Stop Illegal Third-Term Bids In Lagos LG Officials

Published

7 hours ago

on

May 7, 2025

By

A pro-democracy group, the Progressive Group for Democracy (PGD), has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop local government officials in Lagos State from pursuing unconstitutional third terms in upcoming council elections.

The group alleges that officials in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are exploiting legal loopholes to extend their tenures, in violation of Nigeria’s Constitution.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, PGD National Coordinator Aladesanmi Abiodun Salawu described the move as a “clear violation” of constitutional provisions and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

He invoked President Tinubu’s historical opposition to tenure elongation, referencing the president’s fierce resistance to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid in the early 2000s.

“As a pro-democracy group, we are reminded of President Tinubu’s fierce opposition to Obasanjo’s third-term agenda. President Tinubu stood firmly against constitutional manipulation then. Where is the president’s voice now?” Salawu asked.

The PGD alleges that the officials in question assumed office following the deaths of elected chairpersons, took oaths of office, and later won full terms in subsequent elections.

“Their current bids for re-election, the group argues, constitute an unconstitutional third term. Salawu cited the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, which prohibits individuals from seeking a third term after completing a predecessor’s tenure and winning a subsequent election.

“Today, we stand at a very dangerous crossroads. The same anti-democratic forces that our heroes fought against during the June 12 struggle are re-emerging in Lagos State,” Salawu said.

“In Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs, we are witnessing a calculated attempt to normalise constitutional violations through the backdoor.”

ALSO READ:  CCD Appoints Mrs. Florence Austin As The Interim Head

The group also criticised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accusing him of complicity due to his silence on the issue. “As the chief security officer of Lagos State, (Sanwo-Olu)has a constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law. His silence is not just concerning; it is complicity,” Salawu said.

The PGD urged President Tinubu to publicly denounce the third-term bids and called on the Attorney General of the Federation to issue an advisory on term limits for local government administrations.

It also demanded that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) disqualify candidates seeking unconstitutional terms.

“These individuals in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs must withdraw their candidacy immediately. We are not making a request; we are stating what the constitution already mandates,” Salawu declared.

The group vowed to challenge the alleged violations through legal means, including mobilising civil society, approaching the courts, and organising peaceful protests if necessary.

“The Lagos Society for Good Governance will utilise every legal means available to challenge this dangerous precedent,” Salawu added.

Continue Reading

National

Rivers political crisis: National Assembly to set up reconciliation committee

Published

8 hours ago

on

May 7, 2025

By

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas says the National Assembly will set up a reconciliation committee to address the political differences in Rivers.

Abbas made this known while addressing members of the house at resumption of plenary from the Easter/Sallah break on Tuesday.

According to him, in the coming weeks, we shall work with the Senate to constitute a high-level committee on reconciliation.

”It will comprise of respected national figures that will facilitate dialogue, promote peace, and support the restoration of democratic order in Rivers and other conflict-affected regions.”

Abbas also condemned the unjustified killings of innocents Nigerians in Borno, Plateau, Benue, and Kwara by terrorists.

He noted that the resurgence of terrorist attacks in the North-East and communal clashes in Plateau have also resulted in fatalities.

”The House unequivocally condemns these attacks on innocent citizens. We acknowledge the need for renewed investment in security intelligence, surveillance technology, and inter-agency coordination.

”On behalf of the House, I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and urge our security agencies not to only bring the perpetrators to justice but also redouble efforts to prevent further violence,” he said.

The speaker further said that environmental forecasts indicated that more than 30 states would face severe flooding during the upcoming rainy season.

He urged all relevant committees of the house to work with the Executive branch to review the country’s emergency preparedness, propose mitigation strategies, and provide oversight legislative frameworks on disaster risk management and climate resilience.

”As we prepare to address these immediate environmental challenges, we must also focus on our long-term legislative priorities.

ALSO READ:  Forensic Audit of NNPC Initiated, Confirms Wale Edun

”One such priority is the ongoing work of the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution.

”This committee has been diligently engaging stakeholders across the country and is expected to achieve substantial progress in the months ahead.

”Our goal remains clear. We aim to commence and complete the constitutional amendment process in good time with broad consensus and outcomes that reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” he added.

Abbas stressed the need for the house to move decisively to expedite the consideration and passage of critical bills that directly affected Nigerians’ stability, prosperity, and well-being.

He said that key among such bills was the much-anticipated electoral reform bill, which he said was fundamental to strengthening the country’s democratic processes.

He added that the house must also prioritise legislation in areas that impact the lives of all Nigerians including unemployment, poverty alleviation, fiscal reform, healthcare, education, and security. (NAN)

Continue Reading

National

Shettima: Lawful Sharing of Secured Data Will Make Africa’s Economy Thrive

Published

9 hours ago

on

May 7, 2025

By

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that African economies will thrive when the continent is able to lawfully share secured data.

He sated this in Abuja, Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA), with the theme, “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies” and the official launch of the Nigerian Virtual Privacy Academy (NVPA).

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, the vice president noted that the African economy will thrive when Africa can lawfully share secured data.

“We recognise that data is not merely a digital resource.It is a human story told in numbers. It is the fabric of trust in our economies. It is the currency of reliability in our institutions.

And as the African continental Future “Agreement expands the scale of its African exchange, our ability to share data securely and lawfully will define our capacity to thrive,” he said.

On the importance of the conference, he stated that such fora were not only welcome but essential, adding that they offer the chance to cross-pollinate ideas, to nurture human capital, and to strengthen mechanisms for mutual legal assistance.

He also spoke on the legal framework of NDPC, noting that “Nigeria’s legal framework for data protection is globally recognised as one of the most progressive.

According to the VP, “through it, we reassigned our alignment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. More importantly, our data protection ecosystem is now directly tied to the debris of the eight presidential priorities of this administration.”

ALSO READ:  Navy has rid Calabar waterways of piracy, oil bunkering —FOC

In his addresses, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani said “Nigeria is fully committed to a future where technological progress is both inclusive and a right perspective.”

“ As we digitise government services, open up digital trade corridors, and advance the need for digital identity on the platform, we must ensure that our value chains are secure, fair, and transparent.

“This is not just about the platform, but it is about trust. And without trust, the digital economy cannot scale,” he said.

While launching the NVPA, the minister said, “This end permits me to again spotlight another of our strategic steps forward, the Data Protection Virtual Academy.

“This is the world’s first initiative aimed at delivering virtual training in data protection and privacy across both the public sector and the private sector.”

The President of NADPA, Iro Adamu, who was represented by the first Vice President, Immaculate Kassait from Kenya, stated that Africa was committed to a trust worthy digital environment.

“Our presence in Abuja serves as a testament to the unity and shared aspiration of Africa. Together we are committed to advancing towards a trustworthy digital environment that safeguards the privacy of individuals.”

“Human beings, regardless of gender, share common characteristics, that it’s necessary to safeguard, preserve their rights of personal data in this evolving digital landscape,” she added

According to her, the 2026 edition would be in Ivorian capital, Abidjan

The National Commissioner of National Data Protection Council (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, in his welcome address disclosed that the Nigerian data protection sector now has a cumulative revenue of over $10 million within the space of three years, adding that the ecosystem has also created about 23,000 jobs,

ALSO READ:  Forensic Audit of NNPC Initiated, Confirms Wale Edun

“In terms of revenue to government, within less than two years, we were able to generate over $1.2 million to government in terms of registration fee, audit filing fee, and compliance fee on the part of data controllers and processors,” he said.

He called for a deeper collaboration among African data protection authorities for enforcement cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.

European Union (EU), Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunter, who was represented by the EU Head of Green and Digital Economy, Inga Stefanowcz, stated that the “EU is committed to working closely with Nigeria and Africa to deepen data protection.”

Continue Reading