Group condemns call for State of Emergency in Zamfara
An advocacy group, The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, has criticised calls for a state of emergency in Zamfara, describing them as unpatriotic.
The group’s Executive Director, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, issued a statement in Abuja on Thursday, accusing those advocating for the measure of being adversaries of the state.
Shinkafi claimed that certain self-serving politicians were attempting to create political instability in Zamfara, which is only just recovering from years of violent banditry.
He condemned what he described as an orchestrated effort by failed politicians who had allegedly mobilised young people and proxies to demand a state of emergency.
According to him, such demands were unjustified, particularly given the significant improvement in security and stability in Zamfara.
He highlighted that the restoration of peace had allowed economic activities and infrastructure development to resume after over a decade of bandit-related disruptions.
“Those making these demands should not only be disregarded but should also be questioned by security agencies to uncover their motives and sponsors.
“No rational citizen will take these politically motivated agitators seriously; they are merely doing the bidding of their benefactors,” Shinkafi stated.
He commended Governor Dauda Lawal for providing decisive and visionary leadership while working closely with President Bola Tinubu and the military to eradicate banditry in the state.
“This is democracy in action. The people of Zamfara have endured years of relentless attacks, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and displacement from their homes.
“The focus now should be on rebuilding the state, revitalising the economy, and delivering the benefits of democracy to alleviate the suffering of the people,” he added.
Shinkafi urged politicians to set aside grievances and contribute to the state’s progress, stressing that it was time for genuine patriotism.
He stated that Governor Lawal was not the issue and should be allowed to govern without undue distractions.
The executive director also commended the federal government and security forces for their continued operations against criminal elements in Zamfara and the wider North-West region.
“This aligns with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the government’s primary responsibility,” he concluded.
