REVIEWSNETWORK@ASSORT.NG | POLITICAL VEIWPOINT | CURBING INSECURITY IN ZAMFARA STATE

Recently, an episode of POLITICAL VIEWPOINT, a current affairs programme on Aso Radio & Television featured a conversation tagged “CURBING INSECURITY IN ZAMFARA STATE”. If you haven’t seen the video yet watch it here.

The programme was hosted by Topsy Gim. The guest was Dr. Suleman Shaibu Shinkafi, an APC stakeholder from Zamfara State. The discussion focuses on governance, security, and economic challenges in the state.

As a brief summary of the conversation, in the video, Dr. Shinkafi criticizes the current state government, led by the PDP, for failing to adequately address insecurity and economic hardship. He claims that the dismissal of over 4,000 state employees has increased poverty and crime rates. He also argues that the opposition pushed the governor into distributing vehicles to security agencies but believes the action was overdue.

Additionally, Dr. Shinkafi praises former APC governors for their continued support of citizens, claiming that they provide financial aid and food supplies to mitigate hardship. He asserts that insecurity remains severe in many local governments and urges dialogue with bandits as a means to restore peace.

Finally, he expresses confidence that APC will reclaim Zamfara State in the 2027 elections, stating that citizens are dissatisfied with the PDP administration. He also suggests that former Governor Bello Matawalle could be the preferred candidate to lead the state again

Dr. Suleman Shaibu Shinkafi's discussion on Political Viewpoint highlights key governance, security, and economic challenges in Zamfara State. His criticisms of the current PDP-led administration center on its handling of insecurity, economic hardship, and governance decisions.

Governance & Economic Challenges

Dr. Shinkafi argues that the dismissal of over 4,000 state employees has exacerbated poverty and crime. He believes that the government’s failure to provide alternative support has left many citizens struggling to survive. This aligns with broader concerns about governance in Zamfara, where some groups have called for a state of emergency due to alleged mismanagement and weakening democratic institutions.

Security Concerns

Insecurity remains a major issue in Zamfara, with reports of banditry and violence affecting multiple local governments. Dr. Shinkafi suggests that dialogue with bandits could be a viable strategy for restoring peace, citing past efforts by former Governor Bello Matawalle. However, critics argue that the current administration lacks a clear security strategy and has failed to collaborate effectively with federal authorities.

Political Outlook

Dr. Shinkafi expresses confidence that APC will reclaim Zamfara in the 2027 elections, citing dissatisfaction with the PDP administration. He suggests that former Governor Matawalle could be the preferred candidate to lead the state again. This reflects ongoing political tensions, as opposition figures continue to challenge the current leadership’s policies and effectiveness.

Really, Zamfara State has been grappling with severe security challenges, primarily due to banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks on communities. The situation has led to widespread displacement, economic hardship, and a growing demand for stronger security measures.

A look at the Key Security Issues

1. Banditry & Kidnappings. Armed groups operate across rural areas, engaging in mass abductions and extortion. Farmers struggle to access their lands due to fear of attacks, which has worsened food insecurity.

2. Government Response & Criticism. Governor Dauda Lawal has emphasized that banditry is declining due to improved collaboration between state and federal security agencies. However, critics argue that his administration lacks a decisive strategy and has failed to coordinate effective responses.

3. Security Initiatives. The state government recently distributed 140 security vehicles to agencies to enhance mobility and response time. Additionally, a regional headquarters for the Safe Corridor Operation has been established to strengthen security efforts.

4. Political Tensions & Calls for Emergency Measures. Some groups have called for a state of emergency, arguing that the security situation remains dire. Others claim that such demands are politically motivated and aimed at undermining the current administration.

5. Dialogue with Bandits. Some stakeholders, including Dr. Suleman Shaibu Shinkafi, advocate for negotiations with bandits as a means to restore peace. He argues that past administrations successfully reduced violence through dialogue, but the current government has rejected this approach.

The political rivalry between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) significantly impacts governance in Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole. Here’s how:

1. Policy Continuity & Governance Stability

When power shifts between APC and PDP, governance priorities often change. For example, in Zamfara, the PDP-led administration under Governor Dauda Lawal has reversed some policies from the previous APC government, including the dismissal of over 4,000 state employees. Critics argue that such abrupt changes disrupt governance and economic stability.

2. Security Management

Security remains a major challenge in Zamfara, with banditry and kidnappings affecting multiple local governments. While the PDP government has focused on strengthening security agencies, APC stakeholders like Dr. Suleman Shaibu Shinkafi advocate for dialogue with bandits as a strategy to restore peace. The lack of consensus between the two parties on security approaches has led to inconsistent policies.

3. Political Defections & Power Struggles

Nigeria has witnessed a wave of defections from PDP to APC, raising concerns about multi-party democracy. In Zamfara, APC is actively working to reclaim power in the 2027 elections, with former Governor Bello Matawalle being considered a strong candidate. These political shifts often lead to governance instability, as leaders focus more on election strategies than policy implementation.

4. Economic & Social Welfare

Governance decisions are often influenced by political interests. APC stakeholders claim that former governors continue to provide financial aid and food supplies to citizens, while PDP critics argue that the current administration has failed to address poverty. The political divide affects how resources are allocated and whether policies prioritize long-term development or short-term political gains.

5. Legislative Influence & Governance Efficiency

The Zamfara State House of Assembly has faced leadership challenges due to political tensions. Calls for stability within the assembly highlight concerns that governance is being affected by internal party struggles rather than a focus on public welfare.

Online discussions about governance, security, and economic challenges in Zamfara State reflect a mix of criticism, concern, and political debate as outlined below:

1. Calls for a State of Emergency

• Some groups, like the Guardians of Justice and Democratic Leadership, have urged President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, citing worsening insecurity and governance failures.

• The Coalition for Democracy and Development (CDD) has also called for emergency measures, arguing that the suspension of lawmakers and governance instability require federal intervention.

2. Criticism of Governor Dauda Lawal

• Critics accuse Governor Lawal of failing to engage with the state legislature and disregarding democratic principles.

• Others argue that his administration has not effectively tackled insecurity, with 14 local governments reportedly affected by banditry and kidnappings.

3. Defense of the Current Administration

• Supporters of Governor Lawal highlight his ongoing development projects, including the construction of the Zamfara International Airport, road infrastructure, and school renovations.

• The governor has also claimed that his administration is winning the war on banditry, citing improved security measures and collaboration with federal agencies.

4. Political Tensions Between APC & PDP

• Some commenters argue that APC stakeholders, like Dr. Suleman Shaibu Shinkafi, are using insecurity concerns to push for a political takeover in 2027.

• Others believe that PDP’s governance approach is being unfairly criticized for political reasons rather than policy failures.