You failed on security promises – Zamfara Elders to Lawal

The Zamfara State Elders Forum has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal, accusing him of attempting to claim credit for recent security improvements in the North-West, which they say were solely driven by federal authorities.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Forum, through its secretary, Dr. Alhaji Umaru Yusuf Tsafe, described Lawal’s recent remarks as “misleading” and rooted in “inconsistency and opportunism.”

The elders alleged that the governor had failed to fulfill his campaign promise to restore security to Zamfara within his first month in office, and instead shifted blame to the federal government as the crisis escalated under his leadership.

“Governor Lawal rode into office on the back of promises he has completely failed to deliver,” Tsafe stated.

“He campaigned by blaming his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, for the insecurity in the state. Once in office, he claimed he lacked the resources to act, exposing his lack of foresight and leadership.”

According to the Forum, recent security breakthroughs in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West were achieved through the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

“Governor Lawal neither provided meaningful support nor initiated these operations,” the statement read. “His attempt to hijack the credit is nothing short of political desperation.”

The group urged Zamfara residents to hold their leaders accountable and reject attempts to exploit federal successes for political gain.

“Our people deserve a governor who is honest, consistent, and genuinely committed to their safety,” the Forum stated.

“Governor Lawal’s approach is not only exploitative, but also deeply disappointing.”

The statement underscores growing tensions between the state government and elder statesmen in Zamfara, who continue to express concerns over the handling of the region’s lingering insecurity crisis.