Zamfara: PDP slams APC, says Lawal outperformed Matawalle, other ex-govs in curbing banditry

“We urge the APC to focus on genuine issues affecting Zamfara rather than resorting to baseless accusations and distractions,” the PDP spokesman stated.

News Agency of Nigeria • September 22, 2024

Dauda Lawal and Bello Matawalle

The Zamfara chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Governor Dauda Lawal was sabotaging the military’s efforts to fight banditry.

On Saturday, the APC called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency, saying Zamfara residents had lost confidence in Governor Dauda Lawal’s ability to curb insecurity.

But in a statement on Sunday, the state PDP publicity secretary, Haliru Andi, said the APC’s allegation was a move to undermine the state government’s efforts to address insecurity.

“Governor Lawal is the first in our state’s history to prioritise security with genuine commitment, contrasting sharply with the previous APC administrations,” said Mr Andi.

“Unlike the APC, which politicised the serious issue of insecurity, the PDP’s administration is committed to the peace and stability of Zamfara.”

Mr Andi said calling for a state of emergency was “deeply disrespectful to the entire people of Zamfara” and signified that APC was intimidated by Mr Lawal’s leadership.

“The unfounded claims that Governor Dauda Lawal is sabotaging the fight against banditry in Zamfara is a political move to undermine our ongoing efforts to address insecurity in the state.

“The PDP’s administration is focused on rectifying the maladministration that characterised the 25 years of APC governance, and it is evident that the APC fears the scorecard of Lawal,” Mr Andi said.

He further said the successes of Mr Lawal’s administration against banditry have had a direct impact.

Mr Andi listed Mr Lawal’s achievements as refusal to engage in reconciliation with criminals, “establishment of Community Protection Guards (CPG) and the creation of a Security Trust Fund to support conventional security forces” and distribution of vehicles to security agencies.

The PDP spokesman further said the APC’s allegations were desperate propaganda.

“We urge the APC to focus on genuine issues affecting Zamfara rather than resorting to baseless accusations and distractions,” he stated.

(NAN)

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