The All Progressives Congress (APC) support group, Youth Wing Mobilisation Vanguard, has criticised Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for orchestrating plans to create confusion and setbacks in the successes being recorded in the fight against banditry in the North West, particularly in Zamfara State.
The group’s chairman, Alhaji Ashiru Tukur-Sadauki, told newsmen in Sokoto on Friday that Governor Lawal, in an interview with a television station, displayed a comedy of hatred against the personality of Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawalle and the federal government’s substantial efforts to combat insecurity, thereby undermining President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives in the war against banditry in the region.
Tukur-Sadauki stated that Lawal’s continued targeting of the federal government’s successes is allegedly undermining military operations against insecurity in Zamfara State and reflects an immature disregard for the successful operations being carried out.
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“His intention is to destroy our troops’ morale through propaganda, lies, and mischief against those who played important roles in implementing successful operations, particularly ‘Fansan Yamma.’
“There is no reason for the governor to abandon his important role as Chief Security Officer of the state, where he is expected to ensure maximum synergy and active participation in safeguarding the lives and properties of the people.
“Instead, the governor has embarked on a media tour, criticizing the immediate past governor, who is now the substantive Minister of State for Defense, on various issues that have no bearing on the ongoing military operations against bandits in the region,” he said.
Tukur-Sadauki explained that President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Minister of Defense and other security chiefs to relocate to Sokoto to ensure the flushing out of bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals has sent a clear message to Lawal.
He expressed optimism that Governor Lawal was apprehensive, disorganized, and angry about the actions that have raised unnecessary issues regarding the operations.
“Therefore, the governor’s call for Minister Matawalle to resign is more of a laughing matter, as he has been accused multiple times of sponsoring protests in Abuja to request President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismiss Matawalle.
“Playing politics at a time when the state and the entire North West are facing security challenges demonstrates a sabotage of President Tinubu’s efforts to eradicate fear and banditry in the region.
“While we appreciate the good efforts of the Minister of State for Defense in achieving successes in the fight against banditry, we advise him not to engage in disputes with anyone at this time to remain focused on the positive initiatives aimed at the successful operations of the armed forces against bandits,” he added.