The leadership of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has flayed comments made by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal regarding the resignation of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle....READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
AYCF in a statement issued by its President General ,Yerima Shettima stated that , “it is with utmost urgency and seriousness that we unequivocally state that it is not Minister Matawalle who should resign, but rather Governor Dauda Lawal himself.”
The group alleged that in a document, funds were earmarked for distribution to high-profile bandit leaders including Bello Turji, Dogo Gide, Ado Aliero, Halilu Sububu, and Gwaska Dan Karami, along with payoffs to certain media houses and influencers, adding that such transactions indicated a deep-seated complicity with the very elements who have wreaked havoc and fear throughout Zamfara communities.
” Following the arrest of his former aide, Bashir Hadejiya, on serious charges of gun running and international criminal conspiracy, Lawal appears to have adopted a defensive position.”
“Additionally, the elimination of bandit leader Halilu Sububu and the diminishing power of criminal factions, attributed to the steadfast efforts of Minister Matawalle and the armed forces, have further exacerbated his unease.”
“Governor Lawal’s calls for Matawalle’s resignation reflect not only a diversionary tactic but also a grave misunderstanding of the dire circumstances we face as a region. It is clear that the ongoing ‘fresh onslaught’ by Minister Matawalle has yielded palpable results in the battle against banditry, thereby weakening the affiliates of criminality.”
