By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
A group under the umbrella of National Movement for Good Governance (NMGG) has condemned the recent attacks and call by some groups for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the anti-corruption body Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the alleged misappropriation of Zamfara State resources by Matawalle, who is the immediate former governor of the state.
According to the group, the call on the President to immediately suspend Bello Matawalle as the Minister of State for Defence, is not only premature, but also unnecessary, considering his past records of performance and commitment to nation building during his days as governor and now minister.
The group however, asked Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare and Minister of State Defense, Alhaji Bello Matawalle to sheath sword and join hands together to tackle the recurring insecurity problems in the state.
While saying there no basis for the bickerings over his appointment as minister, the group however said ,” Findings revealed that Matawalle did his best to contain the challenges of Insecurity and development with proactive measures while he held sway as Governor and if sustained by Governor Dauda Lawal, it will surely help end banditry and create atmosphere for business to thrive in the state.
The northern based group
in a press statement made available to journalists in Kaduna today said, the recent allegations against immediate-past administration of Matawalle over issues of misappropriation of funds and Gusau International (Cargo) Airport project are unhealthy and unnecessary for growth and development of Zamafa State.
In the statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim Dabo ,the group maintained a ,”Instead of these unnecessary accusations against Matawalle, who during his days as Governor of the State fought and tackled the insecurity situation inherited ,when he took over power in 2019, we expect the current governor to meet with the minister and work together to find a lasting solution to the lingering insecurity challenges.
The statement further reads :”Instead of these attacks,there is need for Zamfara Governor to capitalise on the advantage of Former Governor Matawalle as a Minister in-charge of security to deploy troops to rid the state of bandits without any delay.
“We recalled that the incumbent Governor made promise during campaigns to address the problem of banditry and criminal activities .But our findings revealed that the mass abduction to waves of attacks, killings, and maiming of hundreds of innocent people, bedeviling the state remain unabated, hence the need for this much desired collaboration.
“Part of reasons we insisted on collaborative efforts is because, with the duo working together on matters of security, the spiral effect will no doubt help create a sustainable structure and institutional framework that will bring focus and direction to fight the banditry head
“We expect Governor Dauda Lawal to know that the welfare, well-being, and security of lives and property of the citizens is a constitutional matter that requires attention of all leaders in the stakeholders.”
Speaking on matter of cargo airport that stirred up recent acrimony , the group explained,”We gathered from reliable sources that the services of competent consultant were engaged in the execution of the cargo airport with all relevant documents at hand.
It however, advised, “If the problem of banditry and other insecurity challenges would be solved ,the only solution is for governor and all stakeholders to jettison blame game and fully be committed to fighting the ugly security situation bedeviling the state over the years”.
