By Sani Bala
ONE of the greatest setbacks of Nigeria’s democracy has always been the political class’ preoccupation with petty politics where serious introspection and collective action are required. Nowhere has this ugly practice appear more glaring than in the ongoing stream of steady fire from the PDP in Zamfara and by extension, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare directed at the Minister of State For Defence, Bello Matawalle. It becomes even worse considering that all this pettiness is happening in the face of worsening security crisis in Zamfara State, and the broader North-West, where, one would have thought the imperative for the focus of all political actors to be on solutions will be most glaring.
Unfortunately, we are witnessing deepening divisions to the detriment of peace. It is not news that the security challenges in Zamfara, marked by banditry, kidnappings, and general lawlessness, have caused untold suffering to innocent citizens. Yet, instead of working together to tackle this pressing issue, we are seeing daily political bickering, particularly from the PDP in Zamfara, which has made continuous attack of the Minister of State for Defence a daily dose even to the point of calling for his resignation based on baseless allegations. This politicisation of the fight against banditry is both reckless and counterproductive.
Governor Lawal Dare and the PDP are of course free to engage in politics; that is the system that brought him to power. However, not of the kind that involves such bitter name-calling and accusations. Zamfara and the entire northwest are facing an unprecedented wave of criminal activities, making the region a hotbed for kidnappings and banditry.
It is expected that a situation such as this which demands governance and unity will be motivation enough to deter politicians from bitter politics. Sadly, the opposite is what we have witnessed. Do we really need to tell the PDP and the governor that it is time to set aside political ambitions and rally behind those who are actively working to protect the people?
Let it be known that anything less than this would be a disservice to the region’s beleaguered citizens who must now be watching this drama with bitter countenances. It is good that despite the criticisms and all the noise, Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has remained committed to his presidential mandate, overseeing significant breakthroughs in the fight against banditry in Zamfara and the wider northwest.
Recently, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Matawalle moved the operational command base to Sokoto, marking a critical step in intensifying military efforts under the Hadarin Daji operation. This coordinated strategy has led to the elimination of several notorious bandit leaders, most notably Halilu Sububu, a dangerous kingpin who had long terrorised the people of Zamfara.
Sububu’s removal from the scene, along with many of his lieutenants, is a remarkable achievement in the ongoing fight against criminality in the region.
The least expected of stakeholders from the region, regardless of political affiliation is to laud these victories. PDP’s attempt to undermine Matawalle’s achievements is therefore the height of political chicanery. The truth is, bandits do not discriminate between PDP and APC members, between Dauda supporters or Matawalle loyalists when they select their victims.
The devastation they wreak is indiscriminate, and so should be the efforts to eliminate them. Now more than ever, there is a need for the PDP, Governor Dauda, and other stakeholders to set their differences aside and collaborate with the Ministry of Defence in eradicating these criminal elements. Nigerians must praise the character of the minister who despite all the noisy distractions continues to register significant strides not only in military operations but has also sustained the war efforts through continued engagement with troops on the ground. This he has done by touring various military formations, boosting the morale of soldiers engaged in the fight against banditry and assuring them of the president’s dedication to their welfare.
The ministry has also deployed more equipment, including aircraft, to strengthen the military’s operational capacity. These are critical steps toward achieving lasting peace in the region. This is why instead of lashing out at such commendable efforts, the Zamfara PDP’s framing of Matawalle’s visit as a political manoeuvre is rather unfortunate. Zamfara PDP’s recent statement titled “The Paradox of Leadership: Matawalle’s Visit Amidst Crisis,” ought not to have been conceptualised, let alone released to the public. In seeking to undermine the minister’s efforts by casting them as politically motivated, the party only revealed it was suffering from a chronic case of myopia. This attack demonstrates a failure to grasp the complexities of the security situation in Zamfara and the responsibilities that come with Matawalle’s ministerial role. Far from abandoning his constituents, Matawalle is working to address a national security challenge that requires strategic leadership and bold action. His visits to military outposts are not mere photo opportunities; they are a reflection of his commitment to restoring peace and security in the northwest.
In times of crisis, political power plays should have limits. No limit is more important than the collective security of the people. The current security situation in Zamfara is one of life and death, not an opportunity for political point-scoring.
All attempts to discredit the Minister of State for Defence manifest a dangerous prioritization of politics over the well-being of the people and this should never even be contemplated by a governor whose oath of office is first to guarantee the safety of citizens. The path forward is clear: the PDP and other political actors must unite with Matawalle and other leaders in the region to confront the common enemy—banditry. Matawalle has already called on all governors and leaders of thought from the northwest to synergize their approaches in the fight against criminality and the least Governor Dauda and other stakeholders can do is heed this clarion call. The fact that Sokoto is the launch pad of the current operation is a testament to the fact that the security crisis is not confined to Zamfara alone; it threatens to engulf the entire northern region if not addressed urgently and decisively hence the need for urgent collective action. In this fight, all political parties in the region including the PDP in Zamfara are critical stakeholders who must be seen to be lending a helping hand not tearing down the efforts of those engaged in the security efforts.
We must all appreciate the fact that Matawalle, the minister of state for defence, though a politician, is carrying a burden that goes beyond political loyalties or personal ambitions. This burden was placed on him by the president, and it involves addressing a national security issue that transcends the local politics of Zamfara. The stakes are too high for political distractions.
The people of Zamfara deserve peace and security, not a political spectacle. The fight against banditry is complex and long-term, but with continued military efforts and the support of all stakeholders, progress is possible. Zamfara is at a crossroads, and the decisions made by its leaders will determine the fate of the region. The PDP’s continued politicization of the fight against banditry is not only unhelpful but dangerous. Now is the time for unity, not division. Bello Matawalle, as Minister of State for Defence, has made commendable strides in combating insecurity and he deserves the support of all political actors, not baseless calls for resignation.
The future of Zamfara and the entire North-West depends on the collective ability of its leaders to set their differences aside and work toward a common goal – the total liberation of the region from the criminals that threaten its very survival.
Bala writes from Abuja.