Opinion
Insecurity: Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff and Zamfara Governor’s disturbing politics
By Abdul-Jabbar Abubakar Maradun (General)
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has been leading the charge against bandits in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest region. His unwavering commitment to taking the war to the bandits’ enclaves has yielded significant results, with numerous notorious leaders and fighters neutralized. This achievement is a testament to his leadership and collaborative efforts with other senior military officers, including Lt. Gen. C.G Musa.
Lt. Gen. Musa, appointed as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria in June 2023, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, and Commander, Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. His expertise has been instrumental in the ongoing operations against the bandits.
However, despite these efforts, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has been criticized for politicizing the issue of security and other critical sectors of human development. His actions have been seen as a deliberate attempt to undermine Dr. Bello Matawalle’s achievements, particularly in restoring peace and harmony in the Northwest. Governor Lawal’s public outbursts, denying Matawalle’s significant role in the region’s security, have been viewed as unproductive and divisive.
Governor Dauda Lawal has recently sparked outrage with his Channels TV outburst, denying H.E Matawalle’s crucial role in combating insecurity in the Northwest, particularly Zamfara. Despite the fact that Matawalle’s efforts led to the neutralization of top bandits’ leaders and scores of their fighters.
Instead of the governor to face his official responsibilities including collaboration with the Defence Minister in the ongoing battle against insecurity, alas, Governor Dauda was sighted attending party functions away from the state, ranting against his predecessor. This alarming distraction raises concerns about his commitment to addressing the state’s dire security situation.
It is essential for stakeholders to recognize the progress made and support the continued efforts to address the security challenges facing Nigeria. By working together, we can build on the successes achieved under Dr. Bello Matawalle’s leadership.
Dear Governor Dauda Lawal,
Let’s prioritize security over politics, please.
Tuesday, 17th September, 2024