Join the race if opposed to Turaki as consensus candidate – Zamfara Gov.

Describes the agitation by some members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the adoption of Sen. Tanimu Turaki as the consensus candidate for the party’s national chairman as normal in politics The Zamfara state governor, Dauda Lawal has challenged members of the party who are opposed to the emergence of Tanimu Turaki as consensus candidate for the Chairmanship of the party to join the race. Lawal, who is the Chairman of the Convention Special Duties Sub-Committee, stated this in an interview with newsmen after the sub-committee’s inaugural meeting at the PDP headquarters in Abuja on Friday. The PDP Northern Stakeholders had, on Wednesday, endorsed Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties, as their consensus candidate for the party’s Nov. 15 national convention in Ibadan. Lawal, while stating that consensus was allowed in PDP’s constitution, however advised anyone not comfortable with it to test his popularity at the national convention. “No matter what we do, some people will still be aggrieved. Even if we bring you, some people will say ‘No’, you have an issue. It is normal. It is part of politics. “What we are doing is to try and bring everybody together in the interest of this party. “It is an ongoing process and I can assure that things will be okay. But it is normal to have agitations. “You can see, we have gone through a lot in the past and now, things are getting better day by day. I am very sure, very optimistic, that we will bounce back. In fact, we are already bouncing back. “In the constitution of our party, there is a provision for consensus. So there is nothing new. It is okay; it is normal. It is part of our constitution in PDP,” he said. Lawal, however, urged all the sub-committees to accord the committee the needed cooperation and respect for the success of the convention. “To the members of special duties committee, the trust reposed in you is immense. You are the architects of our convention’s solvency and the guidance of its operational integrity. I have every confidence that you will rise to this challenge with distinction,” he said. Speaking earlier during the accreditation sub-committee’s inaugural meeting at the Legacy House in Abuja, Lawal said that the party was working internally to bring everyone on board for a successful convention. “Well, I don’t think that should be something we should be concerned about, because in politics, it’s about give and take. No matter who is selected, there will always be agitation from the other members. “So it’s normal, It is something that is internal. And we are working on making sure everybody is on board so that we can have a very, very successful conference,” he said. Lawal, who also chaired the accreditation sub-committee meeting, acknowledged the current political climate, urging members of the party and stakeholders to embrace unity and genuine reconciliation. Addressing concerns over the defection of some governors from the party, Lawal said PDP remained unshaken. “The only thing that is constant and permanent is change. “In 2015, when PDP had over 29 to 30 governors, what happened at the end of the day? I’m sure you’ll be the judge. So as I said, no shaking, no alarm. “Our great party is a family, and like any family, we may have disagreements, but the overall interest of this collective family must supersede individual ambitions,” he said. The governor called on PDP leaders to provide unbiased and selfless service to consensus-building and a truly all-inclusive convention. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. We must stand together; we must work together; we must heal together,” he stated. Lawal also tasked members of the accreditation committee to uphold integrity, fairness and transparency as the ‘gatekeepers of the convention’. He implored them to give the assignment the ‘total dedication and selfless commitment it demands’. “The work you are about to undertake is the very foundation upon which a credible, transparent and successful convention will be built,” he said. Lawal described the committee’s mandate as both a honour and a very heavy burden, with clear responsibilities including provision of delegate tags and ensuring the welfare and accreditation of all participants, from dedicated delegates and observers to the Board of Trustees. “This is not merely an administrative task; it is a sacred trust. You are the gatekeepers of our convention’s integrity,” he said. On the logistics, the governor assured that arrangements were in place for the transportation and accommodation of all delegates. “The whole essence of this committee is to work on the logistics. There will be no major issue,” he assured.

Zamfara Bombing: Gov Lawal Commends NAF

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has praised the Nigerian Air Force for their renewed efforts in combating bandits in the state. The governor gave the commendation in a statement in Gusau on Sunday by Sulaiman Idris, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity. Lawal revealed that the Nigerian Air Force had carried out successful airstrikes over the weekend. The strikes targeted bandits who were attacking villages in Zurmi and Maradun Local Government Areas of the state. Lawal, however, expressed his deep condolences to the families of civilian casualties who were affected by the airstrikes at Tungar Kara in Zurmi LGA. READ ALSO: El Rufai Visits Buhari The unfortunately incident included members of the local vigilante group who were mistakenly identified as bandits fleeing from Gidan Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi LGA. The governor commended the precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas. The governor said the strikes had significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits. He said they had also demonstrated the Nigeria Air Force’s commitment to protecting civilians and safeguarding life and property. “As a responsible government, the Zamfara State Government remains committed to sustaining the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities. “The recent success is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies, which have yielded positive results,” he said. READ ALSO: Kano Emirate Tussle: Federal Agents Sack Sanusi’s Guards Lawal reaffirmed commitment to providing necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state. According to him, this includes enhancing intelligence sharing, providing logistics, and strengthening community engagement. He noted that, unfortunately, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives. “We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah. “The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families,” he said.  The governor called on the people to be vigilant, report all suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security personnel. “Through collective effort and unity of purpose, the fight against banditry can be won, bringing enduring peace and stability to Zamfara,” he said.

Insecurity in Zamfara: Residents Flee As Gunmen Impose N172.7 Levy

Armed groups in Zamfara state have reportedly imposed monetary and in-kind levies on 25 villages in Tsafe West, causing widespread displacement.  The demands total approximately N172.7 million, with additional contributions of soybeans demanded from some communities.  READ ALSO: NAF Acquires 63 New Aircrafts in Three Years Villages unable to meet the requirements face violent retaliation, prompting hundreds to abandon their homes and livelihoods. The affected villages include Gijinzama, Dakolo, and Kauyen Kane, with levies ranging from N2.5 million to N20 million.  This situation has disrupted farming and other activities, leaving communities in dire need of security reinforcements and relief aid.  Despite improvements in some areas, rural communities in Tsafe West remain highly vulnerable.

Zamfara Bombing Linked to Lakurawa Terrorists – Police

The Nigeria Police have identified the Lakurawa terrorist group as the perpetrators behind recent explosions in Zamfara State.  According to the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Dalijan, the local bandits operating in the state lack the skills to create or use explosive devices.   On Wednesday, a deadly blast along the Dansadau-Gusau Road in Maru Local Government Area claimed the life of a motorist and left three others injured.  The Police Commissioner revealed that the incident occurred when the terrorists, dislodged from Sokoto and Kebbi by military forces, were moving towards Birnin-Gwari forest.  PLEASE READ: Nigeria’s Poverty Rate Will Surpass W/Bank 104million Estimate Soon – Economists In their retreat, they planted a bomb under a bridge, which detonated as the vehicle passed.   Dalijan stated that this marked a new challenge for the region, as bomb attacks were previously unheard of in Zamfara.  He confirmed that reports of the Lakurawa group’s movements near the area tied them directly to the incident.

Zamfara Speaker’s Residence Suffers Fire Damage

A fire broke out at the residence of Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, located in Gusau, the state capital, over the weekend.  The blaze caused extensive damage to the property, with losses estimated in millions of Naira, although there were no reported injuries. The Clerk of the House, Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu, shared his dismay regarding the incident, referring to it as a tragic event.  He conveyed his condolences to the Speaker, his family, and the people of Zurmi West, indicating that the fire was part of a divine plan.  In the aftermath of the incident, numerous political leaders and supporters have visited the Speaker to express their sympathies.  The Speaker has expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and appreciated the efforts of those who assisted in controlling the fire.

Alleged Banditry: Zamfara rights activist drags AGF, IGP to court

…seeks probe of ex- Gov Matawalle A Zamfara State based human rights activist, Abubakar Dahiru, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court Abuja, seeking the investigation of a former Governor of the State and current Minister of State (Defence), Bello Matawalle, in relation to allegations of kidnappings, Banditry etc. Defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, filed on behalf of the plaintiff by Ojonimi Apeh Esq. are, the President, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Inspector General of Police. Specifically, Ojonimi Apeh, in the suit filed and dated September 27, 2024, wants the court to declare that “it is imperative for the 1st Defendant herein to give directions to the 3rd Defendant to investigate the activities of bandits and kidnappers in Zamfara State and in particular the allegations surrounding the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle in relation to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State with a view to securing and/or restoring public safety in Zamfara State. Ojonimi Apeh also prayed on behalf of his client for “An order of Court mandating the 1st Defendant herein to direct the 3rd Defendant herein to investigate the activities of bandits and kidnappers in Zamfara State, and in particular the allegations surrounding the Minister of State, Defence Hon. Bello Matawalle in relation to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State with a view to securing and/or restoring public safety in Zamfara State. “A declaration that by the provisions of Section 215(3) and (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, and other relevant laws, the 1st Defendant herein either by himself or through such other Minister of the government of the Federation as he may authorize can give directions to the 3rd Defendant herein with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order in any part of the Federation” Apeh submitted. In a 22-paragraph statement of claim, the plaintiff avered that there is presently high wave of armed banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State just like other parts of North Western Nigeria, adding that the activities of these hoodlums, “which started like a mustard seed in Zamfara State grew to an alarming and unprecedented proportion during the period between 2019 and 2023 when Hon. Bello Matawalle was the Governor of Zamfara State”. “The Plaintiff avers that armed banditry and kidnapping have rendered thousands of the people of Zamfara orphans, widows, widowers, homeless, hungry, etc due to the activities of criminals who maim people, extort their monies, kill their loved ones and subject them to all manner of physical and emotional torture. “The Plaintiff avers that he recently listened to the interview of Governor Dauda Lawal on TVC Television on 18th September 2024, wherein he publicly accused Hon. Bello Matawalle of involvement with kidnappers and bandits in Zamfara State. “The Plaintiff avers that he has also read an online publication by Umoru Faruk Salifu in the 21st Century Chronicles online Newspaper of 22nd September 2024, where he accused Hon. Bello Matawalle of sponsoring bandits, buying vehicles for bandits, sabotaging efforts of law enforcement agents to curb banditry and kidnapping in North Western Nigeria, granting amnesty to terrorists, etc. “The Plaintiff avers that he also read an article by Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wherein he chronicled series of allegations of Hon. Bello Matawalle’s involvement with banditry and kidnappings in Zamfara State. Among other claims, “The Plaintiff avers that despite the open allegations as to the involvement of Hon. Bello Matawalle with banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State, no efforts have been made by government to investigate him with a view to coming out with the truth or falsity of these allegations while the spate of banditry and kidnapping continue to reign in Zamfara State to the detriment of citizens” Ojonimi Apeh’s client stated. Meanwhile, the matter is yet to be assigned to a Judge.

Zamfara: Matawalle Accuses Successor, Gov Dauda Lawal Of Governance Incompetence

The immediate past governor of Zamfara state and also the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has criticized his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, and his commissioners for their lack of fundamental understanding of governance. Alhaji Matawalle responded to allegations by the Governor Dauda-led administration, which claimed that misleading documents were published showing that “former Governor and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, approved 100% payment of over N1 billion for fencing, landscaping, and furnishing of Governor’s lodges in 14 Local Government Areas, even before the project began.” In a statement released in Abuja, through the coordinator of his media office, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle asserted that Governor Lawal should focus on governance and the protection and security of Zamfara residents, rather than engaging in a fault-finding mission to mislead the general public with false publications. Dosara stated, “It is very disheartening that a government led by a “(Dr)” and managed by Consultant Professors consistently engages in perjury in an attempt to indict and tarnish the hard-earned reputation of a man who has demonstrated his worth and integrity to the general public, receiving various merit awards and honours from different quarters.”