In Zamfara State, a sense of desperation hangs in the air like a thick fog. Bandits roam freely, kidnapping and killing with impunity,
while Governor Dauda Lawal sits at the center of the chaos, his administration embroiled in corruption and mismanagement. The state's economy lies in shambles, and citizens live in constant fear, wondering if their leader is more interested in exploiting the state's resources for personal gain than protecting its people. With lives lost and livelihoods destroyed, the people are crying out for drastic action - a state of emergency that would bring much-needed relief and restore order to their troubled state.
Zamfara State is currently navigating a tumultuous landscape of socio-political upheavals, marked by a near-total collapse of governance and economic activities that have hit rock bottom. Given the state's dire economic situation, security challenges, and the evident ineptitude of Governor Dauda Lawal, it's abundantly clear that the time for a state of emergency has arrived. Fundamentally, the governor has failed in his duties, succeeding only in polarizing the state and dismantling the institutions of democracy. The existence of two State Houses of Assembly is a direct result of the governor's attempt to expel lawmakers he perceives as unfriendly unless they pledge allegiance to him.
Lawal has effectively introduced a regime of violent extremism, quashing any counter-voices within the state. Through bribery and financial inducements, Governor Lawal has created an autocratic, totalitarian, and effectively tyrannical environment, bringing governance to a grinding halt. State institutions are now perceived as the governor's personal property, and he has exploited the state's resources, leveraging the ignorance and poverty of the people to fuel disunity and divisiveness among the various social groups. The breakdown of law and order is evident, with the apparatus of government being utilized for self-interest, territorial acquisition, and self-perpetuation.
The governor's reliance on unconventional strategies has transformed governance into a transactional game, where he outbids others to further his interests. This approach has corrupted the very essence of statehood, with sycophancy and oppression becoming the norm, and internal conflicts taking center stage. Rather than addressing the state's security and infrastructure challenges, Governor Dauda Lawal has opted for a regime of violence and unchecked killings. There are growing concerns that he is embroiled in malfeasance and military proxies, utilizing quasi-private military actors to consolidate power and facilitate illegal mining of solid minerals. This alleged complicity renders him incapable of resolving the state's insecurity issues. His denials appear to be mere attempts to deflect criticism, as the violence and exploitation persist.
Under Governor Dauda Lawal's leadership, Zamfara State's institutions have been crippled, unable to implement policies, enforce laws, or provide essential services to its citizens. The state is hemorrhaging, with Governor Lawal's lack of capacity fueling instability, corruption, and a failure to meet the people's needs, resulting in widespread poverty. His administration's deficiencies, compounded by a weak legislative arm, have hindered economic development and led to a lack of accountability and transparency.
The reality on the ground starkly contrasts with the governor's paid media narrative, revealing a dire situation marked by neglected public services, inadequate healthcare, education, and security, and a cycle of poverty. The state's wealth appears to be concentrated in the hands of a few, controlled by Governor Lawal, who seems unable to manage resources for the greater good, instead fostering lawlessness, bad governance, and citizen frustration due to a lack of transparency and accountability.
Governor Dauda Lawal's neglect of the education sector, driven by his relentless pursuit of personal wealth, has relegated Zamfara State to the bottom of the educational ladder in Africa. Schools lack access to quality education, and economic opportunities are scarce, trapping individuals in a cycle of poverty. The governor's administration lacks direction, and his inability to manage the government effectively has exacerbated socioeconomic inequalities, diverted public funds, and eroded public trust.
Zamfara State, already disadvantaged, faces heightened vulnerability and barriers. Instead of fulfilling his social contract, Governor Lawal has delivered poverty, fear, and death to the people. The government's weakness and compromise are evident, marked by a lack of responsibility and accountability. Governor Lawal's inability to address security challenges and utilize resources effectively underscores his failure as a leader, highlighting his lack of experience, knowledge, and expertise to govern the state effectively.
Governor Dauda Lawal's leadership is marked by a lack of accuracy and objectivity, rendering him incapable of effectively managing governance issues or implementing solutions. He is an opportunist unfit for the office of governor, lacking the capacity to appreciate the complexities of governance and mobilize effective responses. His inability to comprehend the principles of separation of power, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution, is evident in his disregard for the independence of the legislature and judiciary.
He has failed to adhere to constitutional guidelines, such as the harmonized standing orders of state Houses of Assembly, which govern processes like suspension and impeachment, budgetary processes, and confirmation of appointments. This has resulted in a situation where the rule of law and checks and balances are no longer upheld, effectively declaring a state of emergency in Zamfara State. His actions pose a significant threat to democracy, and his removal is necessary to prevent further damage.
The people of Zamfara State are gripped by fear and uncertainty, unable to live their lives or conduct legitimate businesses in peace. The state's inability to guarantee security has led to a breakdown in public order, with bandit attacks becoming a daily occurrence. Communities are subjected to relentless assaults, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and mass abductions. The Community Protection Guards, tasked with protecting their communities, are also bearing the brunt of these attacks, with several members losing their lives in brutal and inhuman assaults.
Recent incidents, such as the killing of Murtala Fachi and two others on the Anka-Gusau road, and the deaths of seven more in separate attacks on villages in Zurmi Local Government Area, are stark reminders of the state's security crisis. The governor, as the chief security officer, appears incapable of protecting citizens or respecting their fundamental human rights, leaving the people of Zamfara State to fend for themselves in a desperate bid for survival.
Zamfara is trapped in a cycle of violence and terror, with armed bandits wreaking havoc on communities, killing, abducting, and extorting citizens. Recent attacks in various local government areas, including Bungudu, Maradun, Talata-Mafara, and others, have left scores dead and many more abducted. The attacks are not limited to loss of life and property but also include extortion, with bandits demanding huge sums from communities in exchange for sparing their lives or not attacking them.
The state governor's response to these attacks has been inadequate, with many believing he is out of touch with the reality on the ground. As the people of Zamfara State continue to suffer, there is a growing sense of desperation and frustration, with many calling for urgent action to address the security crisis and restore peace to the state. The governor's inaction in the face of these atrocities has led to widespread criticism, with many wondering if he is more interested in holding onto power than protecting the lives and livelihoods of his people.
The 1999 Nigerian Constitution grants the President the authority to declare a state of emergency in any state where public order and safety are compromised, posing a threat to the nation's stability. The situation in Zamfara State exemplifies such a scenario, with widespread insecurity and a breakdown of law and order exacerbated by the governor's actions. It appears that governance decisions in the state are driven by subjective and parochial interests, rather than objective considerations. Allegations of the governor's involvement in illegal gold mining further underscore the need for intervention. Given the dire circumstances, declaring a state of emergency in Zamfara State may be a necessary step to restore order and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
As the sun sets over the vast savannah of Zamfara, the people huddle in fear, their homes and livelihoods threatened by the shadows of bandits and corruption. A young girl, Fatima, sits by the window, her eyes fixed on the distant horizon, dreaming of a future where she can walk to school without fear of abduction, where her parents can farm without worrying about bandit attacks, and where her community can live in peace. The fate of Fatima and countless others hangs in the balance, as the state teeters on the brink of collapse. Will the authorities listen to their pleas and take decisive action, or will the darkness of despair consume the land?
Sani Aminu Aliyu, an indigene of Zamfara State, writes from Gusau.
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