INSECURITY: Of Matawalle And Saboteurs
By Sani Bala
One of the greatest setbacks of Nigeria’s democracy is the preoccupation of the political elite with petty politics. This undesirable situation calls for introspection and collective action. Nowhere has this ugly practice appear more glaring than in the ongoing stream of fire from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara state and, by extension, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare, directed at the Minister of State for Defense, Hon. Bello Matawalle.
It has become deplorable, considering that all this pettiness is happening in the face of worsening security crisis in Zamfara state, and the broader North-west zone of Nigeria. One expected that the focus all political actors is to find solutions to the crisis. Unfortunate, we are witnessing deepening divisions to the detriment of peace.
It is no longer news that the security challenges in Zamfara, marked by banditry, kidnappings, and general lawlessness, have caused untold suffering to innocent citizens. Yet, instead of working together to tackle this pressing issue, we are seeing daily political bickerings, particularly from the PDP in Zamfara. The PDP has made persistent attacks against the minister a daily routine, even to the point of calling for his resignation over baseless allegations. This politicisation of the fight against banditry is both reckless and counterproductive.
Governor Dauda Lawal and the PDP are, of course, free to engage in politics, which is the system that brought him to power. However, it not be the kind that involves such bitter name-calling and accusations. Zamfara and the entire North-west are facing an unprecedented wave of criminal activities. This has made the zone a hotbed of kidnappings and banditry. It is expected that this situation, which demands good governance and collaboration, would deter politicians from bitter politics. Sadly, the contrary is what we are witnessing.
Do we really need to tell the PDP and the governor, that it is time to set aside political ambitions and rally behind those who are actively working to protect the people? Let it be known that anything less than this would be a disservice to the zone’s hapless citizens who are watching this drama with bitter countenances.
It is good that despite the criticisms and all the noise, Matawalle has remained committed to overseeing significant breakthroughs in the fight against banditry in Zamfara state and the wider North-west. Recently, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Matawalle moved the operational command base from Abuja to Sokoto, marking a critical step in intensifying military efforts under the Hadarin Daji operation. This coordinated strategy has led to the elimination of several notorious bandit leaders, notably, Halilu Sububu, a dangerous kingpin who had long terrorised the people of Zamfara. Sububu’s elimination from the scene, along with many of his lieutenants, is a remarkable achievement in the ongoing fight against criminality in the zone.
The least expected of stakeholders from the zone, regardless of political affiliations, is to laud these victories. The PDP’s attempts to undermine Matawalle’s achievements is, therefore, the height of political chicanery. The truth is, bandits do not discriminate between PDP and APC members, between Dauda’s supporters or Matawalle’s loyalists when they attack their victims. The devastation they wreak is indiscriminate, and so should be the efforts to eliminate them. Now, more than ever, there is a need for the PDP, Governor Lawal, and other stakeholders to set aside their differences and collaborate with the Ministry of Defence in eradicating these criminal elements.
Nigerians must praise Matawalle, who despite all the noisy distractions, has continued to record significant strides, not only in military operations, but also in sustaining the war through continued engagement with troops. This, he has done, by touring various military formations to boost the morale of soldiers engaged in the fight against banditry and assuring them of the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to their welfare.
The defense ministry has also deployed more equipment, including aircraft, to strengthen the military’s operational capacity. These are critical steps towards achieving lasting peace in the zone. This is why instead of lashing out at such commendable efforts, the Zamfara PDP’s framing of Matawalle’s visit as a political maneuver is rather unfortunate.
Zamfara PDP’s recent statement titled “The Paradox of Leadership: Matawalle’s Visit Amidst Crisis,” ought not to have been conceptualised, let alone made public. In seeking to undermine the minister’s efforts by casting them as politically motivated, the party only revealed it was suffering from a chronic case of myopia. This attack demonstrates a failure to grasp the complexities of the security situation in Zamfara and the responsibilities that come with Matawalle’s ministerial role. Far from abandoning his constituents, Matawalle is working to address a national security challenge that requires strategic leadership and bold actions. His visits to military outposts are not mere photo opportunities; they are a reflection of his commitment to restoring peace and security to the North-west.
In times of crisis, political power plays should have limits. No limit is more important than the collective security of the people. The current security situation in Zamfara is one of life and death, not an opportunity for political point-scoring. All attempts to discredit the minister of state for defence smack of a dangerous prioritisation of politics over the well-being of the people. This should never even be contemplated by a governor, whose oath of office is, first, to guarantee the safety of citizens.
Here’s why Governor Lawal and the PDP must rethink their approach and acknowledge the fact that the fight against banditry is not about party loyalty, but about safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of not just the citizens of Zamfara, but the people of the entire zone.
The path forward is clear: the PDP and other political actors must collaborate with Matawalle and other leaders in the zone to confront the common enemy—banditry. Matawalle has already called on all governors and leaders of thought from the North-west to synergise their approaches in the fight against criminality. The least Gov Lawal and other stakeholders can do is heed this clarion call. The fact that Sokoto is the launch pad of the current operation is a testament to the fact that the security crisis is not confined to Zamfara; it threatens to engulf the entire Northern region if not addressed urgently and decisively. Hence, the need for urgent collective action. In this fight, all political parties in the zone, including the PDP in Zamfara, are critical stakeholders who must be seen to be lending a helping hand, not tearing down the efforts of those engaged in the security efforts.
We must all appreciate the fact that Matawalle, the minister of state for defense, though a politician, is bearing a burden that goes beyond political loyalty or personal ambition. This burden was placed on him by the president, and it involves addressing a national security issue that transcends the local politics of Zamfara. The stakes are too high for political distractions. The people of Zamfara deserve peace and security, not a political spectacle.
It expected that Governor Lawal and the PDP would recognise that their criticisms, while politically motivated, are ultimately misdirected and therefore desist forthwith. Matawalle’s focus is on governance and ensuring the safety of the people, a task that requires collaborative efforts, not blame game. The fight against banditry is complex and long-term, but with continued military offensive and the support of all stakeholders, victory is sure.
Zamfara is at a crossroads, and the decisions made by its leaders will determine the fate of the zone. The PDP’s continued politicisation of the fight against banditry is not only unhelpful but also dangerous. Now is the time for collaboration, not division. Matawalle has made commendable strides in combating insecurity, and he deserves the support of all political actors, not baseless calls for resignation.
Governor Lawal, the PDP in Zamfara and all stakeholders from the North-west zone must focus their energies on contributing to the fight against banditry. They must resist the temptation to engage in needless political battles, even just for this period that has seen serious gains being recorded on the battle against banditry and all forms of criminality. The future of Zamfara and the entire North-west depends on the collective ability of its leaders to set their differences aside and work towards a common goal – the total liberation of the zone from the criminals that threaten its very survival.
Bala writes from Abuja
