Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara State, has pledged to provide the families of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards members who lost their lives in the battle against banditry with her complete assistance.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chapter in Zamfara State has dismissed demands by a section of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to declare a state of emergency in the region.

In a statement on Sunday, PDP state publicity secretary Haliru Audi called the call insulting and without foundation.

Mr. Audi claims that the call made by the party’s Senator AbdulAziz Yari group is a blatant sign that the opposition is scared of Governor Dauda Lawal’s accomplishments and advancements.

The APC clearly fears Governor Lawal’s scorecard, since the PDP administration is focused on correcting the maladministration that marked 25 years of APC rule.

As the 2027 elections get near, their attempts to sabotage his work are a desperate attempt to save their political futures.

“The demand for a state of emergency is baseless and incredibly demeaning to the strong citizens of Zamfara State.”

The APC simply ignores the problematic legacy of previous Governor Bello Matawalle, who courted warlords as part of his misguided war on banditry.

“A troubling pattern of accommodation, including giving bandits access to government houses unhindered and offering them substantial financial rewards, was indicative of his administration’s failure to maintain security.”

The statement read, “As a result, the people of Zamfara have suffered the terrible consequences of this carelessness, with bandits attacking communities and taking sanctuary within the very corridors of power.”

Additionally, Mr. Audi denied the opposition party’s accusations that Mr. Lawal was undermining the state’s efforts to combat banditry.

In stark contrast to the previous APC administrations, Governor Lawal is the first in our state’s history to prioritise security with a sincere commitment, he continued.

He claimed that the PDP administration is dedicated to maintaining Zamfara State’s peace and stability, in contrast to the APC, which has politicised the grave problem of insecurity.

Mr. Audi pointed out that Mr. Lawal’s unwavering stance and refusal to make amends with criminals are directly responsible for the accomplishments shown in the fight against banditry.

Our struggle against banditry now has a clear and determined direction thanks to this courageous stand.

In order to strengthen traditional security forces, the PDP administration headed by Governor Dauda Lawal has established Community Protection Guards (CPG) and established a Security Trust Fund.

“A few weeks ago, Governor Lawal provided vehicles to improve our security agencies’ operating capabilities, showcasing his persistent commitment to this important cause.

The accusations made by the APC are merely desperate propaganda. The official clarified that former governor Matawalle never indicated a desire to work with governor Lawal to solve insecurity.

The minister was accused of clandestinely dealing with bandits without the state government’s approval, according to the statement, which also claimed that Mr. Mattawalle lacked empathy and competence for the state’s citizens.

Consequently, the PDP demanded that President Bola Tinubu remove Mr. Mattawalle from his position as minister of defence due to “his lack of integrity and qualifications for this sensitive role.”

His prior activities have compromised not just the current war on banditry but also our citizens’ safety, demonstrating his lack of integrity and suitability for this delicate position.

The statement went on, “Matawalle’s actions, particularly his relationships with bandit leaders, have been a clear impediment to effective governance. It is imperative that the federal government investigate these matters.”