Leave Matawalle, focus on governance, Arewa youths tells gov Lawal

The Arewa Youth For Peace and Security, on Saturday, called on Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State to prioritize governance instead of targeting Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.

The group criticized a publication by the Mail News Online that alleged Matawalle distributed food items to bandits terrorizing the state, calling it fake news and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the minister’s image.

The group, in a statement by its President, Comrade Abubakar Hassan Kankia, accused Governor Lawal of failing to provide security and good governance in the state.

They commended Matawalle for his efforts in collaborating with security agencies to address banditry in the state, including securing highways and rescuing kidnapped individuals.

Kankia said: “We would have ignored this reckless attack on Matawalle emanating from a political hireling and blackmailer masquerading as an online outfit to cover the woeful failure of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal in providing security and good governance to the people of the state. It was clearly the acerbic hand of The Mail News Online but the voice of the governor.

“Lawal exaggerated insecurity during Matawalle’s administration to receive cheap publicity and popularity that propelled him to government. Having assumed office he is overwhelmed by the burden of leadership and has no clue on how to tackle banditry in the state.

“For the avoidance of doubt, since Dr Matawalle was appointed Minister of Defence for State, he has been working tirelessly with the office of the National Security Adviser, service chiefs and Northern States Governors in finding solutions and ending insecurity in Zamfara State in particular and the nation in general.

“Previously Funtua to Gusau highway was a deathtrap where bandits kill and abducted people for ransom daily. The Minister directed immediate deployment of military personnel and checkpoints along the highway making it safe and secure for road users.

“The same is applicable on Dambaza to Maradum town where bandits used to kill and kidnap innocent people for ransom. Matawalle equally directed immediate deployment of military personnel and checkpoints that have made the highway safe for travelers.

“It could be recalled that armed bandits attacked Zurmi Local Government headquarters, burnt down the police station, killed police officers, destroyed military operational vehicles and kidnapped innocent citizens. The Honourable Minister of Defence for State in his characteristic patriotism and pragmatism deployed more military personnel to crush the bandits.

“The military operation recorded tremendous success. Several armed bandits were neutralized and the area is now safe and secure as the people go about their lawful business without fear of bandits’ attacks.”