The Northern Youth Development Association of Nigeria has alleged that Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has turned insecurity into a political tool, using his platform to wage a campaign of calumny against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Abdukadir Yusuf, the association’s National Secretary, stated that security is not—and must never be—an arena for partisan politics.

The safety and well-being of Zamfara’s citizens must be placed above personal ambition and political rivalry.

According to him, Lawal has appeared on multiple television shows, making baseless accusations, all in a bid to undermine Matawalle’s reputation and hinder his efforts to contribute to national security.

“Let me be clear: this is not just a personal attack on Dr. Matawalle—it is an attack on all Nigerians who desire peace, security, and good governance.

“By undermining the Minister of State for Defence, the governor is not just engaging in political vendetta; he is jeopardizing the fight against insurgency, banditry, and terrorism across the nation.

“This is not leadership. This is a betrayal of the trust that the people of Zamfara placed in him when they elected him to serve.”

Speaking further, Yusuf said that after months of public outcry and criticism from civil society, political parties, and concerned citizens, Governor Lawal has finally reconstituted the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund—a body he abandoned shortly after taking office.

This move, however, comes far too late and smacks of desperation. It is a reactionary step aimed at salvaging a damaged reputation rather than a proactive measure to combat the escalating security crisis.

“While Brigadier-General Abdulkadir Gumi has been appointed as the new chairman, and a fundraising committee established under the leadership of Alhaji Sambo Garba, one must ask: where was this sense of urgency when lives were being lost, when communities were being ravaged, and when bandits were tightening their grip on the state?

“The time for half-hearted measures is over. Zamfara’s people deserve more than belated actions taken under pressure.

“They deserve a governor who will put their safety first and work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, to restore peace and security.”

Dauda is said to have played a pivotal role in sponsoring the large-scale protests in August and is reportedly planning another protest for October 1st. These actions, viewed as attempts to destabilize the current administration, are a cause for concern, and security agencies are urged to remain vigilant in monitoring these activities.

The National Coordinator of the association, Muhammad Umar Yakubu, said that allegations have surfaced linking Governor Lawal to illegal mining activities—an industry closely tied to the financing of banditry in the region.

The arrest of notorious bandit leader Bashir Hadejia and his alleged confessions have implicated the governor in these illicit operations.

Additionally, there are accusations that Governor Lawal orchestrated protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration—protests aimed at destabilizing the government while shifting blame away from his own failures in Zamfara.

“Such actions are deeply troubling and demand thorough investigation. The people of Zamfara deserve to know whether their governor is complicit in the very criminal activities he claims to be fighting.

If these allegations are proven true, they reveal a leader who is not only failing in his duty but actively contributing to the insecurity that has plagued our state.

We must all rally behind the cause of restoring peace to Zamfara. Dr. Bello Matawalle, despite being relentlessly targeted by Governor Lawal, has remained focused on his mandate as the Minister of State for Defence.

He has pledged his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and has worked tirelessly to strengthen the nation’s security apparatus. Under his leadership, several notorious bandits, including Halilu Sububu, Kachalla Sani Black, and Kachalla Makore, have been eliminated, bringing a fragile peace to Zamfara and its neighboring states.

“These achievements are not mere coincidences—they are the result of dedicated leadership and a commitment to securing the lives of the Nigerian people.

“Governor Lawal would do well to follow this example. Instead of waging personal wars and engaging in political theater, he should work with the Federal Government, security agencies, and his predecessor to deliver on the promises he made to the people of Zamfara.

“The 2027 elections are still years away—there is more than enough time to focus on governance, implement policies that will improve infrastructure, agriculture, education, and most importantly, security.

“Let us be clear: the fight against banditry and insecurity is not a competition between politicians; it is a battle for the soul of our state and the future of our children.

“We cannot afford to lose this fight. The people of Zamfara deserve a government that will protect them, create opportunities for growth and development, and uphold the principles of justice and democracy.”