The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has condemned the suspension of the commandant of the state Community Protection Guard (CPG), Col. Rabi’u Yandoto (rtd), by the state government.

In a statement issued in Gusau on Friday, the state APC publicity secretary, Yusuf Idris, described Mr Yandoto’s suspension as unfortunate.

Gov. Dauda Lawal had, in Feb. 2024, launched the security outfit as part of measures to tackle the lingering insecurity in the state.

The state government, however, announced the suspension of Mr Yandoto on Wednesday, but gave no reason for the action.

The suspension came not long after the commandant featured in a radio programme, where he accused the state government of not paying the salary of the CPG personnel for months and failing to provide the logistics needed for operations against bandits and other criminals.

The governor, on Thursday, replaced Mr Yandoto with a retired major as acting commandant of the CPG.

Mr Yusuf said that the sacking of the pioneer commandant “for telling the truth about the security situation in the state”, was an evasive way by the government not to uphold its responsibility of protecting its citizens.

“We recall that during the recruitment of the CPG personnel, the APC advised the Zamfara government to avoid any political interest while moving to address the security situation.

“We also advised the government to accept contributions of well-mmeaning citizens of the state irrespective of political affiliations,” he added.

According to him, the advice was ignored as the suspended commandant had publicly said some of those recruited were of shady character, with some of them being investigated for alleged murder.

Mr Yusuf said the APC also condemned the disciplinary action taken by the State House of Assembly against some lawmakers who voiced out their frustration over the rising insecurity in their respective constituencies.

“We urge the state government to concentrate on meeting its campaign promises, especially in the security sector.

“As a progressive party, we will continue to lend our support to any move that will bring lasting peace in our state and the nation at large”, he added.

 (NAN)