In a stark rebuke of Zamfara State’s worsening security crisis, prominent Islamic scholar Professor Mansur Sokoto has publicly denounced Governor Dauda Lawal’s handling of the situation, accusing him of neglecting his responsibilities and shifting blame.
In a recent video, Professor Sokoto, along with other clerics, urged the governor to take decisive action as Islamist militant attacks continue to claim lives and displace communities.
The security situation in Zamfara has been grim, with militant groups, including Fulani extremists, frequently launching deadly assaults. The broader toll of extremist violence in Nigeria remains staggering, with an estimated 4,020 Christian deaths recorded in the first ten months of 2022.
Sokoto argued that Governor Lawal, who was aware of the crisis upon taking office, has yet to demonstrate the leadership needed to protect the lives and property of his constituents. Despite Lawal’s recent efforts to establish a 21-member State Security Trust Fund and his participation in a regional security dialogue, Sokoto insists these measures fall short of the comprehensive strategy urgently needed to address Zamfara’s multifaceted challenges.
The people of Zamfara, caught between hollow assurances and worsening violence, are demanding concrete action, not rhetoric. Sokoto and his allies emphasize that the situation calls for full accountability from Governor Lawal to prioritize the welfare and safety of his people.
“You should stop blaming and complaining about your predecessor. When your complaints become excessive, you may be perceived as woman” Sokoto stated.
“We have documents showing you misappropriated funds, and once you are out of office, you will find your own legacy might fare worse than that of your predecessor,” he warned.