Author Archives: News All Around

*Urges President Ruto to apologise over anti-people law

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, called on the International Criminal Court (ICC), to investigate and prosecute heads of security agencies responsible for the killing of innocent protesters in Kenya which constitutes crime against humanity.

He also called on President William Ruto to urgently apologize to the people of Kenyan for attempting to make a legislation that was manifestly anti-people before he was forced to beat a retreat by the angered youths.

Frank who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, said he is standing solidly behind the youths of Kenyan for rising up to oppose dictatorial tendencies on the part of the government of Kenya in a democratic setting even though President Ruto is his personal friend.

He further called on the international community especially the United States, United Kingdom, European Union to place a visa ban on the heads of the security agencies that would be indicted by the ICC after wholistic investigations.

“Those who issued orders to security agencies to shoot at and kill innocent and peaceful protesters must be urgently fished out and prosecuted according to international law,” Frank said.

According to him, the right to protest is enshrined in several international treaties and declarations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He insisted that recognising this right inevitably imposes an obligation on the state including the government and armed forces of Kenya to facilitate protest, including by ensuring protesters are safe and not to kill them.

Frank said: “Protest is a public demonstration of disapproval and it not a criminal action, therefore to kill lawful citizens for protesting is a crime against humanity which must be condemned by all with attendant sanction on perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.

“We stand with the Kenyan protesters and we mourn those who have paid the supreme price. However, we urgently demand the International Criminal Court to go after those that killed protesters.”

He lamented that “majority of Kenyans including the youths now being massacred voted massively to elect Ruto to office because of the trust and confidence that they had in him and people believed he was going to be a people’s president and that is what we expect him to be.

“So apologising to the youths and by extension Kenyans is not a sign of weakness but an action that will further endear him to the people and bring the much needed stability and peace in Kenya.

He called on Ruto to listen to and prioritise the wishes of Kenyans because they were the ones that voted him into power.

In a similar manner, he called on the youths of Nigeria to wake up the spirit of Occupy Nigeria in 2012 and the #ENDSARS Protests to curb the excesses of the present administration through legitimate protests.

“Let Nigerians wake up and pay the sacrifice that Kenyans have paid because that is the only way we can have a better country,” he said

By

By Ehis Agbon, Kaduna, North West Nigeria.

The recently concluded Capacity Building Training for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Service Providers in Kaduna State, organized by Save The Children International, has instilled hope in survivors, signaling a brighter future ahead.

The comprehensive training, which centered on the provision of services to survivors and the effective management of GBV data, included sessions on data collection, registration, reporting, and analysis.

 The event saw participation from service providers across the public sector, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations, including members of the Technical Working Group of the Open Government Partnership.

Tanko Mohammed, the State Team Lead for Save The Children International in Kaduna

Tanko Mohammed, the State Team Lead for Save The Children International in Kaduna, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting victims and survivors from stigmatization and victimization. 

Mohammed highlighted the essential role of accurate data management in equipping service providers and government entities to address GBV issues effectively and develop robust policies for implementation. He expressed gratitude to the attendees for their dedication and participation in the training.

Juliana Umaru, the Gender and Inclusion Coordinator for Save the Children International Nigeria

During the training, participants received in-depth instruction on GBV Data Management and Referral mechanisms, as well as coordination strategies among service providers. Juliana Umaru, the Gender and Inclusion Coordinator for Save the Children International Nigeria, under the Expanding Social Protection for Inclusive Development (ESPID) project, provided a comprehensive overview of GBV. She defined gender-based violence as “an umbrella term for any harmful act perpetrated against a person’s will, based on socially ascribed (gender) differences between males and females.”

The training concluded on a positive note, with participants committing to apply their newly acquired knowledge to enhance the welfare of GBV victims and survivors. They also pledged to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in the fight against GBV in Kaduna State, fostering a supportive environment for survivors and reinforcing the commitment of service providers to address this pressing issue effectively.

Babangida Lukati

The Kano State chapter of the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has expressed solidarity with the recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Kano, which set aside the Kano State Emirate Law 2024.

This law had dissolved the five Emirates in Kano State, causing significant controversy and upheaval within the region. In a statement released by NAN chairman for Kano State Sani Abubakar, the organization expressed its satisfaction with the court’s decision to dismiss all actions taken by the Kano State Government to repeal the Kano Emirates Council Law.

This law was relied upon by the state to dethrone the 15th Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, and four others. NAN described the ruling as a significant step in restoring honor and integrity to the traditional institution.

The organization has highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and constitutionalism in order to prevent political manipulation of traditional institutions. It recalled that traditionally, the traditional institution has held a revered and respected position in Nigerian society.

However, in recent years, there have been instances of political interference and manipulation of traditional rulers for political gain. This has not only tarnished the reputation of traditional rulers but has also undermined their ability to serve as unbiased and impartial leaders within their communities.

“The court’s ruling is a pivotal moment in addressing these challenges and restoring the honor and dignity of the traditional institution. By upholding the rule of law and constitutionalism, the court has sent a clear message that traditional rulers should be free from political manipulation and interference.

This decision will help to ensure that traditional rulers can continue to fulfill their roles as custodians of tradition, culture, and community leadership without outside influence. Moving forward, it is important for all stakeholders to respect the independence and integrity of the traditional institution.

By upholding the rule of law and constitutionalism, we can safeguard the honor and reputation of traditional rulers and ensure that they continue to play a vital role in promoting peace, unity, and development within Nigerian society,” the NAN statement said.

NAN issued a call to the Kano State government and Sunusi Lamido to abide by the court’s decision, urging them to respect the sanctity of the legal system. “This court decision should serve as a reminder to politicians that traditional institutions are to be revered, not tarnished,” stated Suleiman.

As Muslim Ummah and other Nigerians resumed work today after this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Administrator of Jaba Local Government area of Kaduna State, Hon. Mrs. Nita Byack George, has canvased renewed strength towards the realisation of Governor Uba Sani’s SUSTAIN Agenda.

Nita, who is the only female local council boss in the state and second in the whole of the Northwest, while pledging Jaba LG’s continuous support and solidarity to the success of both the state and federal government APC-led administrations, rallied collective support for the actualisation of the current administration’s lofty objectives.

To her, this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, which coincidentally fell on Sunday when Christians are observing their faith rites, was an indication that God’s love abounds for all, urging everyone to use the occasion to promote peaceful coexistence and religious understanding.

She urged Muslim Ummah and Nigerians in general to use the period to reflect and promote the values of peace, security, and compassion to move Kaduna State and the country forward.

According to her, “The time and season in Nigeria’s democratic process call for genuine patriotism, commitment, and team spirit to overcome our collective socioeconomic challenges.

“As Muslim Ummah and Nigerian citizens, we must not allow this festivities to overshadow its significance and lessons for us as individuals and as a country.

“It is another opportunity for us to support our leaders, especially our Governor, Senator Uba Sani, who has been working round the clock to ensure we have a peaceful and progressive Kaduna State.

“As we all know, Kaduna State has been experiencing a peaceful political atmosphere in which even the members of the opposition parties have no option but to quietly join the fast-moving train so they are not left behind.

“It is but too true that in the past one year of this administration, Mr. Governor has touched every group in Kaduna positively – the children, the youth, the aged, persons with disability, the pensioners, the farmers, and the list goes on”.

Buttressing her point on the capacity and capability of Governor Uba Sani, she said, “Just recently, with strict directives of His Excellency, we distributed maize, millet, and sorghum received from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) through the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) State Distribution Committee to various groups.

“Orphanage homes, boarding school houses, Persons With Disability, Internally Displaced Persons, widows, pensioners, the elderly, CAN, and JNI among others in Jaba LG benefited from the distribution carried out by a 15-man Local government Committee made up of critical community stakeholders and opinion leaders.

“With the guidance of the Almighty God and your support, Governor Uba Sani’s administration will continue to make decisions that will give us more dividends of democracy in the weeks, months, and years to come”, she added.

By Suleiman Abbah

In the world of politics, forming strong and trustworthy alliances is crucial for success. A good, reliable, dependable, and supportive political partnership can make all the difference in achieving common goals, advancing mutual interests, and addressing challenges effectively. 

Such partnerships are built on a foundation of trust, cooperation, and shared values, and they can play a significant role in promoting peace, stability, and progress on both national and international levels.

A good political alliance is one that is based on mutual respect and understanding between the parties involved. It is characterized by open communication, transparency, and a willingness to listen to each other’s perspectives and concerns. Trust is essential in any alliance, as without it, there can be no genuine collaboration or cooperation. Trust is built over time through consistent actions and words that demonstrate reliability, honesty, and integrity. It is essential for each party to fulfill their commitments and obligations to maintain the trust of their partners.

The longstanding political relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle exemplifies the principles outlined above. Their partnership is built on a foundation of trust, cooperation, and shared values, which have enabled them to work together effectively towards common goals and mutual interests.

The alliance between President Tinubu and Minister Matawalle is characterized by mutual respect and understanding. They have established open lines of communication, transparency in their interactions, and a willingness to listen to each other’s perspectives and concerns. This mutual respect has created a strong bond between them, allowing for effective collaboration and cooperation in addressing political challenges and advancing their shared vision for the country.

Trust is at the core of the relationship between President Tinubu and Minister Matawalle. Over the years, they have demonstrated reliability, honesty, and integrity in their dealings with each other, earning the trust and confidence of their partner

. This trust has allowed them to make important decisions together, navigate complex political situations, and work towards their common objectives with unity and purpose.

Dependability is another key aspect of the political alliance between President Tinubu and Minister Matawalle. They have consistently fulfilled their commitments and obligations to each other, even in times of uncertainty or adversity. Their dependability has been evident in their unwavering support for each other, their willingness to stand by one another in challenging times, and their accountability for their actions as partners in governance.

Moreover, President Tinubu and Minister Matawalle have shown great supportiveness towards each other throughout their political relationship. They have uplifted and assisted each other in achieving their individual and collective goals, offering encouragement, guidance, and resources whenever needed. 

Their supportiveness has been a source of strength and solidarity for both leaders, enabling them to overcome obstacles and challenges together as a unified force.

Their longstanding political relationship  embodies the qualities of a good, reliable, dependable, and supportive alliance. Their partnership is built on trust, cooperation, and shared values, which have allowed them to work together effectively towards common goals, advance mutual interests, and address political challenges with unity and resilience. 

Through their strong alliance, President Tinubu and Minister Matawalle have demonstrated how political leaders can collaborate to create a better future for their country and contribute towards peace, stability, and progress on a national level.

Their shared political values notwithstanding, Matawalle respects President Tinubu as a great statesman and his mentor, his guardian, and a living history and embodiment of all the exemplary qualities always strives to achieve.

To President Tinubu, Matawalle  remains the bulwark of respect, integrity, dignity, decorum, tradition, decency, morality, civility, etiquette, good behaviour, politeness, accommodation, and all other positive traits.

Together, these two men whose leadership, sacrifice, statesmanship, patriotism have few parallels in Nigeria today, share an unwavering commitment to the interests of the people of Northern Nigerian, and citizens of Nigeria as a whole.

Akatu Odeh

In response to the recent allegations made by Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State regarding the military’s performance, the North-West Security Monitoring Alliance (NW-SMA) has publicly supported the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in refuting these claims.

The NW-SMA, through a statement issued by its chairman, Habibu Musa Maru, has expressed full solidarity with the DHQ, firmly rejecting Governor Lawal’s assertions.

According to NW-SMA, it is Governor Lawal who has consistently failed to cooperate with Nigerian security agencies, not the other way around. The group highlighted that the lack of support and cooperation from Governor Lawal has been a major hindrance to the success of the security forces in combating terrorists in Zamfara State, with detrimental repercussions extending to neighboring states.


“The lack of cooperation from the Zamfara State government has significantly hindered the security agencies’ ability to combat terrorism effectively,” stated Habibu Musa Maru. “Governor Lawal’s lack of support impedes the military’s counter-terrorism efforts, further endangering the lives and safety of citizens not only in Zamfara but also in surrounding states.”


The NW-SMA expressed deep regret over the loss of soldiers in Zamfara State and criticized the state government for failing to adequately support the families of fallen soldiers. It underscored that without the governor’s understanding and cooperation, the battle against terrorism becomes an increasingly daunting task.


Additionally, NW-SMA brought attention to the absence of robust internal security platforms within Zamfara State, further highlighting the need for enhanced cooperation between the state government and security forces. Despite the continuous sacrifices made by military personnel in the region, the lack of adequate support from the state government remains a significant barrier to achieving lasting security.

The group criticized Governor Lawal for his frequent travels abroad and extended stays in Abuja, neglecting his duties to the people who elected him and leaving them at the mercy of dangerous criminals.

“As the elected leader of the state, Governor Lawal has a responsibility to prioritize the needs of his constituents and ensure their safety and well-being. By spending an excessive amount of time outside of the state and in Abuja, the governor is failing to fulfill his duty to the people who put their trust in him,” Maru said.

The group called on Governor Lawal to reduce the frequency of his travels abroad and the number of days he spends in Abuja. They stressed the importance of the governor being present in the state, actively engaging with the community and federal security forces to address the pressing issues that affect the lives of the people.


“By neglecting his duties and prioritizing his personal interests over the needs of the people, Governor Lawal is jeopardizing the safety and security of his constituents,” Maru continued. “In a time when the state is facing increased threats from dangerous criminals, it is essential for Governor Lawal to be present and accessible to address these challenges.

The safety and well-being of the people should be the governor’s top priority, and his absence from the state only exacerbates the problems that the people are facing.”


The group emphasized the critical need for collaboration between military and government leaders, particularly in regions facing severe security challenges. “Constructive engagement with Governor Lawal and the people of Zamfara State is vital for the success of our security missions,” added Maru. “We are convinced that the military’s commitment to restoring safety and security nationwide remains unwavering, but they need the support of all stakeholders to make meaningful progress.”

The NW-SMA said its backing of the military’s response to Governor Lawal’s accusations reflects a unified stance on the importance of collaboration between government and security forces in combating terrorism.

“As the nation continues to confront security challenges, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together towards ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerian citizens. Through transparency, accountability, and cohesive efforts, a more effective and sustainable approach to combating terrorism can be achieved, benefiting the entirety of Nigeria,” NW-SMA said.

The North-West Security Monitoring Alliance (NW-SMA) is a dedicated group focused on monitoring and supporting security initiatives across Nigeria’s north-western region. The Alliance works to foster collaboration among security forces, government authorities, and local communities to enhance the safety and security of all citizens.

Mohammed Anka Rabo

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) is deeply troubled by the recent comments made by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal regarding the nation’s judiciary. We find Governor Lawal’s remarks to be not only indecent but also damaging to the reputation of the judiciary and the overall governance of the state.

In a statement released by its chairman Salihu Suleiman expressed profound concern over Governor Lawal’s claims that the court was being influenced by powerful individuals to release accused bandits on bail. Suleiman described these remarks as filled with hate and a blatant disregard for the principles of justice and constitutionalism.

It is disheartening to witness a state governor undermining the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary for his own political gain. We believe that Governor Lawal’s irresponsible behavior and baseless accusations are not only damaging his own reputation but also eroding the public’s trust in the government of Zamfara State.

Instead of focusing on pressing security and governance issues, Governor Lawal has chosen to engage in petty politics and attacking the justice system of the country. It is evident that Governor Lawal is more concerned with assigning blame and discrediting his predecessor than supporting federal efforts to enhance security in Zamfara State.

This behavior is not befitting of a leader and does a disservice to the people of the state who are looking for stability and progress. As concerned citizens, we call on Governor Lawal to recognize the error of his ways and conduct himself with integrity and honesty.

True leadership is about uplifting and empowering those around you, not tearing them down with baseless allegations. We urge Governor Lawal to return to responsible and respectful governance, focus on strengthening the community and working towards the betterment of Zamfara State rather than engaging in divisive and harmful rhetoric.

By Suleiman Abbah

In today’s world, safety and security are paramount concerns for communities at all levels. Governments play a crucial role in ensuring the protection of their citizens, but often need to rely on grassroots participation to effectively address the diverse and ever-evolving security challenges faced by communities.

The security situation in Zamfara is currently at a critical crossroads, with Governor Dauda Lawal Dare seemingly at odds over how to address the ongoing challenges. Since assuming office, Governor Lawal has consistently failed to go beyond lamentations and cooperate with Nigerian federal security agencies, preferring to engage in perpetual complain, blame games, and finger-pointing instead of actively seeking solutions to combat the terrorist activities plaguing Zamfara state.

Governor Lawal’s approach to security issues in Zamfara calls into question his leadership abilities and commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the state. Rather than working collaboratively with security agencies to develop effective strategies to combat terrorism, he has chosen to engage in political posturing and shifting the blame onto others.

The lack of proactive measures and decisive action on the part of Governor Lawal has only served to exacerbate the security challenges facing Zamfara. His failure to take responsibility and provide strong leadership in the face of these threats has left the people of Zamfara feeling vulnerable and abandoned.

His attitude has significantly hindered the military’s counter-terrorism efforts, putting the lives and safety of citizens at risk not only in Zamfara but also in neighboring states. While other governors in affected states are actively supporting the nation’s troops and implementing initiatives to combat insecurity, Governor Lawal appears more focused on blaming his predecessor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and criticizing the federal government.

Lawal’s constant complaints against the presidency and federal security agencies have diverted attention from pressing security and governance issues in the state. His remarks are often riddled with inaccuracies and a blatant disregard for the truth, further exacerbating the security challenges in Zamfara.

In just one year, Governor Lawal has earned a reputation for leading the worst administration in Zamfara’s history, lacking the necessary courage and political will to confront the state’s security crisis. Despite claiming concern for the challenges facing Zamfara citizens, Lawal has failed to take concrete steps to address youth unemployment, insecurity, and poverty in the state.

Zamfara is currently led by a governor ill-prepared and ill-equipped to lead, driven by personal ambition for power and wealth rather than a genuine commitment to improving the lives of its people. As a result, Zamfara citizens continue to suffer from rampant armed crime, extreme poverty, and a lack of support from their government.

It appears that till the end of his tenure, Lawal cannot rise to the occasion and demonstrate true leadership in addressing the security challenges facing Zamfara. He cannot move beyond mere words and take concrete actions to ensure the safety and security of all residents of the state. This failure has only further escalate the security crisis and put more lives at risk. Only through genuine leadership and a commitment to the welfare of its people can Zamfara overcome its current security crisis and emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity.

This is evident in the comparison between Defence Minister Bello Matawalle and Governor Lawal, two figures in Zanfara State politics. While Matawalle has established himself as a seasoned politician with a profound insight into the needs and concerns of the local communities, Governor Lawal, a relative newcomer to the political arena, seems to lack the same level of understanding and connection to people in the state.

Lawal’s predecessor, Matawalle, now serving as a federal Minister of State for Defence, has been hailed for his innovative approach to engaging local communities in finding solutions to the state’s security issues. His deep understanding of the grassroots dynamics and culture of the state has earned him the moniker of a ‘grassroots innovator’.

Matawalle’s approach, which incorporates a bottom-up feedback loop and involves stakeholders at the local level, has proven to be effective in identifying and addressing the specific security and safety needs of communities in Zamfara. By combining local knowledge with government resources, Matawalle has been able to implement innovative security strategies that are responsive to the ever-changing political and environmental landscape of the state.

Matawalle has recognized the vital role that grassroots play in enhancing community safety and security. He understands that the affected communities are naturally and legitimately the first responders to crises and are best positioned to identify the most pressing security issues facing their communities.

 By partnering with the grassroots, Matawalle has gained valuable insights into the local context and ensured that their interventions are truly responsive to community needs.

One key advantage of working with the grassroots as Matawalle has shown, is the ability to establish community ownership over security. When communities are actively involved in the design and implementation of security solutions, they are more likely to embrace and sustain these initiatives in the long run. Additionally, grassroots serve as bridges between government forces and the communities on the ground, providing valuable feedback and ensuring that interventions are tailored to local realities.

Matawalle believes that innovation in security does not always have to be synonymous with the use of force; it can also involve improving processes or policies to better meet the security needs of communities.

 The key to Matawalle’s successful security innovation lies in building trust, fostering resilience, and maintaining open lines of communication between all stakeholders involved. By supporting grassroots organizations and empowering local communities, Matawalle aims to ensure that their solutions are truly impactful and sustainable in the long term.

In contrast, Governor Lawal, a relatively new player in the political arena, appears to lack the same level of insight and connection to the local communities that Matawalle possesses. This has led to a disconnect between grassroots participation in security matters in areas of information sharing and government policies, hindering progress in addressing the security situation.

Matawalle’s experience and long-standing presence in the political scene have allowed him to build strong relationships with the local communities in his state. 

This connection has enabled him to effectively gauge the security challenges faced by the people and tailor his policies accordingly. His approach to security matters has been characterized by a high level of grassroots participation, with communities actively engaged in information sharing and the formulation of government initiatives.

 As a result, progress has been made in addressing the security situation in the state.

On the other hand, Governor Lawal’s lack of political experience and connection to the local communities has hindered his ability to effectively address security challenges in his state. His disconnect from the grassroots has resulted in a lack of community participation in security matters, leading to gaps in information sharing and ineffective government policies. This has ultimately hindered progress in addressing the security situation in the state, as the government is unable to adequately respond to the needs and concerns of the people.

Matawalle’s deep insight and connection to the local communities have played a significant role in addressing security challenges in Zamfara state. In contrast, Governor Lawal’s lack of experience and disconnect from the grassroots have impeded progress in addressing security issues. 

Matawalle’s approach in partnering with these organizations demonstrates the importance of involving communities in the security decision-making process. By empowering grassroots organizations and fostering community ownership over security initiatives, governments can enhance their ability to address security challenges effectively and sustainably. 

The collaboration between grassroots organizations and government entities such as Matawalle’s innovative approach to security highlights the importance of local engagement in addressing complex challenges. By leveraging local knowledge, building community ownership, and fostering partnerships between different stakeholders, innovators can create meaningful change that is truly responsive to the needs of the people they serve. 

It is evident that a strong connection to the local communities is essential in effective governance, particularly in addressing security matters. As such, it is imperative for Governor Lawal to prioritize building relationships with his constituents in order to address pressing security issues and promote sustainable development. Ultimately, the success of safety and security initiatives relies on the active involvement and support of grassroots organizations, as they are essential partners in creating safe and secure communities.

By Suleiman Abbah

In today’s world, safety and security are paramount concerns for communities at all levels. Governments play a crucial role in ensuring the protection of their citizens, but often need to rely on grassroots participation to effectively address the diverse and ever-evolving security challenges faced by communities.

The security situation in Zamfara is currently at a critical crossroads, with Governor Dauda Lawal Dare seemingly at odds over how to address the ongoing challenges. Since assuming office, Governor Lawal has consistently failed to go beyond lamentations and cooperate with Nigerian federal security agencies, preferring to engage in perpetual complain, blame games, and finger-pointing instead of actively seeking solutions to combat the terrorist activities plaguing Zamfara state.

Governor Lawal’s approach to security issues in Zamfara calls into question his leadership abilities and commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the state. Rather than working collaboratively with security agencies to develop effective strategies to combat terrorism, he has chosen to engage in political posturing and shifting the blame onto others.

The lack of proactive measures and decisive action on the part of Governor Lawal has only served to exacerbate the security challenges facing Zamfara. His failure to take responsibility and provide strong leadership in the face of these threats has left the people of Zamfara feeling vulnerable and abandoned.

His attitude has significantly hindered the military’s counter-terrorism efforts, putting the lives and safety of citizens at risk not only in Zamfara but also in neighboring states. While other governors in affected states are actively supporting the nation’s troops and implementing initiatives to combat insecurity, Governor Lawal appears more focused on blaming his predecessor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and criticizing the federal government.

Lawal’s constant complaints against the presidency and federal security agencies have diverted attention from pressing security and governance issues in the state. His remarks are often riddled with inaccuracies and a blatant disregard for the truth, further exacerbating the security challenges in Zamfara.

In just one year, Governor Lawal has earned a reputation for leading the worst administration in Zamfara’s history, lacking the necessary courage and political will to confront the state’s security crisis. Despite claiming concern for the challenges facing Zamfara citizens, Lawal has failed to take concrete steps to address youth unemployment, insecurity, and poverty in the state.

Zamfara is currently led by a governor ill-prepared and ill-equipped to lead, driven by personal ambition for power and wealth rather than a genuine commitment to improving the lives of its people. As a result, Zamfara citizens continue to suffer from rampant armed crime, extreme poverty, and a lack of support from their government.

It appears that till the end of his tenure, Lawal cannot rise to the occasion and demonstrate true leadership in addressing the security challenges facing Zamfara. He cannot move beyond mere words and take concrete actions to ensure the safety and security of all residents of the state. This failure has only further escalate the security crisis and put more lives at risk. Only through genuine leadership and a commitment to the welfare of its people can Zamfara overcome its current security crisis and emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity.

This is evident in the comparison between Defence Minister Bello Matawalle and Governor Lawal, two figures in Zanfara State politics. While Matawalle has established himself as a seasoned politician with a profound insight into the needs and concerns of the local communities, Governor Lawal, a relative newcomer to the political arena, seems to lack the same level of understanding and connection to people in the state.

Lawal’s predecessor, Matawalle, now serving as a federal Minister of State for Defence, has been hailed for his innovative approach to engaging local communities in finding solutions to the state’s security issues. His deep understanding of the grassroots dynamics and culture of the state has earned him the moniker of a ‘grassroots innovator’.

Matawalle’s approach, which incorporates a bottom-up feedback loop and involves stakeholders at the local level, has proven to be effective in identifying and addressing the specific security and safety needs of communities in Zamfara. By combining local knowledge with government resources, Matawalle has been able to implement innovative security strategies that are responsive to the ever-changing political and environmental landscape of the state.

Matawalle has recognized the vital role that grassroots play in enhancing community safety and security. He understands that the affected communities are naturally and legitimately the first responders to crises and are best positioned to identify the most pressing security issues facing their communities.

 By partnering with the grassroots, Matawalle has gained valuable insights into the local context and ensured that their interventions are truly responsive to community needs.

One key advantage of working with the grassroots as Matawalle has shown, is the ability to establish community ownership over security. When communities are actively involved in the design and implementation of security solutions, they are more likely to embrace and sustain these initiatives in the long run. Additionally, grassroots serve as bridges between government forces and the communities on the ground, providing valuable feedback and ensuring that interventions are tailored to local realities.

Matawalle believes that innovation in security does not always have to be synonymous with the use of force; it can also involve improving processes or policies to better meet the security needs of communities.

 The key to Matawalle’s successful security innovation lies in building trust, fostering resilience, and maintaining open lines of communication between all stakeholders involved. By supporting grassroots organizations and empowering local communities, Matawalle aims to ensure that their solutions are truly impactful and sustainable in the long term.

In contrast, Governor Lawal, a relatively new player in the political arena, appears to lack the same level of insight and connection to the local communities that Matawalle possesses. This has led to a disconnect between grassroots participation in security matters in areas of information sharing and government policies, hindering progress in addressing the security situation.

Matawalle’s experience and long-standing presence in the political scene have allowed him to build strong relationships with the local communities in his state. 

This connection has enabled him to effectively gauge the security challenges faced by the people and tailor his policies accordingly. His approach to security matters has been characterized by a high level of grassroots participation, with communities actively engaged in information sharing and the formulation of government initiatives.

 As a result, progress has been made in addressing the security situation in the state.

On the other hand, Governor Lawal’s lack of political experience and connection to the local communities has hindered his ability to effectively address security challenges in his state. His disconnect from the grassroots has resulted in a lack of community participation in security matters, leading to gaps in information sharing and ineffective government policies. This has ultimately hindered progress in addressing the security situation in the state, as the government is unable to adequately respond to the needs and concerns of the people.

Matawalle’s deep insight and connection to the local communities have played a significant role in addressing security challenges in Zamfara state. In contrast, Governor Lawal’s lack of experience and disconnect from the grassroots have impeded progress in addressing security issues. 

Matawalle’s approach in partnering with these organizations demonstrates the importance of involving communities in the security decision-making process. By empowering grassroots organizations and fostering community ownership over security initiatives, governments can enhance their ability to address security challenges effectively and sustainably. 

The collaboration between grassroots organizations and government entities such as Matawalle’s innovative approach to security highlights the importance of local engagement in addressing complex challenges. By leveraging local knowledge, building community ownership, and fostering partnerships between different stakeholders, innovators can create meaningful change that is truly responsive to the needs of the people they serve. 

It is evident that a strong connection to the local communities is essential in effective governance, particularly in addressing security matters. As such, it is imperative for Governor Lawal to prioritize building relationships with his constituents in order to address pressing security issues and promote sustainable development. Ultimately, the success of safety and security initiatives relies on the active involvement and support of grassroots organizations, as they are essential partners in creating safe and secure communities.