By Bello Abdulhamid,
TEXT OF AN INTERNATIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE BY AREWA PEACE FOUNDATION (APF) ON THE EFFORTS OF GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL DARE IN RESTORING ZAMFARA STATE TO THE PATH OF PROGRESS:
It is our belief that, after the pervasive violence that has plagued successive administrations in Zamfara State, negatively impacting its socio-economic well-being, the arrival of His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare, has opened a new vista of hope. The state is on the rise again, despite various distractions and propaganda. Those who perpetrate evil and their collaborators are beginning to feel the consequences of this change.
We commend the Zamfara State Government under the capable leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal Dare, who, despite being in the opposition, has weathered the storm, proven skeptics wrong, and ensured that governance is firmly established in the state.
Furthermore, the recent actions of federal troops against terrorists in the forests of rural Zamfara have yielded significant results. Reports of these groups being suppressed and disorganized are heartening and deserve commendation.
We fervently pray that the onslaught against these marauding criminals is sustained so that Zamfara and other areas facing similar challenges across northern Nigeria can achieve ultimate security, peace, and stability, restoring their peaceful status.
This brings us to the crux of our briefing:
“The Imperative of Synergy for Sustainable Development in Zamfara State.” While Governor Dauda Lawal Dare and his team focus on ensuring a sustainable path to progress, it is essential for all stakeholders, both within and outside the state, to set aside political and other differences and unite to address the daunting security and development challenges facing Zamfara.
We are particularly concerned when individuals of goodwill provide valuable information leading to the apprehension of terrorists and their associates, only for these criminals to be released shortly afterward, allowing them to return to their nefarious activities.
Some communities are alarmingly close to terrorist enclaves, separated only by a river or stream. The authorities must act to safeguard these vulnerable populations.
The ongoing projects clearly demonstrate that the Dauda Lawal administration has robust plans to enhance agriculture and agro-allied activities, recognizing Zamfara’s potential as a food basket in the Northwest. The state government is committed to ensuring that the agricultural sector receives the attention it deserves. However, farmers’ inability to access their lands due to banditry has adversely affected food security not only in Zamfara but also in neighboring states reliant on its agricultural products.
This situation has also hampered industrial growth, as many agro-allied manufacturing firms have struggled to source raw materials such as cotton and groundnuts due to the impact of banditry.
We urge the Nigerian public to disregard the unfounded criticisms of certain individuals in the state who are making anti-state remarks detrimental to the current administration in light of the ongoing banditry. Governor Dauda Lawal Dare has consistently stated his refusal to negotiate with terrorists, and he has provided clear reasons for this stance.
We encourage these individuals, in the interest of the people of Zamfara, to set aside egos and collaborate with Governor Dauda Lawal Dare to elevate the state.
Mudslinging and blackmail, or sponsoring individuals or groups to undermine Governor Dauda Lawal Dare, do not serve the best interests of Zamfara and will hinder peaceful coexistence and sustainable development. Despite the distractions, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare’s administration has remained resolute, exceeding expectations and achieving impressive results, even with minimal resources left by the previous government.
Under Governor Dauda Lawal’s leadership, water supply has been restored in Gusau, the state capital. He has paid withheld salaries and embarked on urban renewal projects, earning admiration from both supporters and critics.
In his commitment to address the ongoing insecurity, Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the recruitment of civilian JTF across all local government areas. Each recruited group undergoes rigorous training to assist security agencies with actionable intelligence in combating insecurity.
It is worth noting that, for the past three years, students in Zamfara have been unable to sit for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) exams due to unpaid fees. Governor Dauda Lawal Dare intervened, facilitating discussions with WAEC and NECO, allowing students to take their examinations. Arrangements are now in place to settle the debts of 1.6 billion Naira for NECO and 1.8 billion Naira for WAEC.
The Governor has approved the construction, renovation, and furnishing of 49 schools in Gusau, as well as additional schools across various local government areas. He has also revived the school feeding program in 10 senior boarding schools throughout Zamfara, set to commence in the 2023/2024 academic session, among other positive interventions.
Ladies and gentlemen, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara State requires cooperation from all stakeholders to build a better Zamfara, rather than castigation from any quarter. We earnestly hope for the state’s recovery from the shackles of insecurity that have held it back.
Thank you for your attention.
Bello Abdulhamid, Director of Publicity on behalf of the Board and members of Arewa Peace Foundation (APF)
