The Zamfara State Government has criticized the Coalition of Arewa Activist Group Calls for calling for a State of Emergency in the state to tackle the issue of banditry. The government considers this call hypocritical and ill-informed.
In a recent communique, Thrahim Muazzam, the Chairman of the Activist Coalition Group, urged President Tinubu and the legislature to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State in order to address the escalating banditry and prevent a future disaster.
However, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Suleiman Bala, swiftly responded to the call, highlighting that the security of lives and properties lies primarily with the federal government. Bala also emphasized that with the appointment of the former governor of the state, Bello Matawale, as the Minister of Defense, the federal government holds much of the responsibility in addressing the security challenges.
In an interview with our correspondent, Bala further noted that during the past four years of the Matawale administration, insecurity in the state was magnified. However, since the swearing-in of the new government, decisive measures have been taken to tackle these issues.
The Coalition had argued that a State of Emergency is necessary due to the lack of effective security measures in the state. They believe that without the cooperation and collaboration of the federal government and other stakeholders, it will be impossible to successfully combat the insecurity in Zamfara State.
Contrarily, the Special Adviser on Media, Suleiman, defended the government’s actions, stating that they have made significant progress in ensuring the security of the state. He acknowledged that although the Governor cannot directly control the military or police forces, who are answerable to Abuja, he has implemented various initiatives to enhance security. One such initiative is the establishment of special squads responsible for the security of the state.
Suleiman added, “I think although our Governor is the Chief Security Officer, he cannot direct the Military or Police who are answerable to Abuja but his efforts geared to the security of lives and properties is never relaxed, there’s no doubt about that.”
Furthermore, Suleiman highlighted the government’s creation of a Community Protection Guard, which is currently undergoing recruitment across the state. He also alleged that those attacking the PDP government are being funded to carry out their malicious activities.
