A former deputy governor of Zamfara, Ahmad Anka, has cautioned the state governor, Dauda Lawal, against meddlesomeness in the fight against armed banditry in the North-West.

Mr Anka, who served as deputy governor in Zamfara between 2007 and 2011, made this known in a statement in Kaduna on Monday.

“Let us support Matawalle to succeed in coordinating the current onslaught against bandits in North-West,” said Mr Anka.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to direct the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to take the fight to the bandits camps throughout the area.

Mr Anka said the matter strictly concerned national security and was effectively handled by the region’s military.

He emphasised the need for Zamfara residents to stay focused, as the federal government was “doing its best” to address insecurity.

“This is not time for political fights but an opportunity to bring us as leaders to answer the calls of our people in partnering with the federal government to ensure that the bandits are completely eliminated from our state and our region,” said Mr Anka.

The former deputy governor said it was a good thing and a sign of success that the immediate past governor, Mr Matawalle, was now the defence minister.

Mr Anka said, ”Incidentally, he is the one handling the operation. The citizens should give their complete support for him to effectively earn the federal government’s confidence.

”This is to enable him to make Zamfara people proud of their ambassador in the federal executive council.”

He further stated that the Tinubu administration would do its best to rekindle hope and confidence in the people if the criminals were eradicated.

(NAN)