The Zamfara Good Governance (ZGG) group has expressed growing frustration with Governor Dauda Lawal, accusing him of failing to deliver on campaign promises to tackle banditry.
In a statement on Monday, ZGG convener Dr Kabir Ibrahim Zurmi claimed that Lawal exploited security concerns during his election campaign, misleading voters with unfeasible promises.
“He promised to end the war against bandits within weeks, but two years into his PDP government, no solutions are in sight,” Zurmi said.
Lawal, who campaigned heavily on addressing Zamfara’s rampant insecurity, accused his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, of mismanagement.
However, ZGG alleges that the security situation has deteriorated under Lawal’s leadership, with banditry continuing to terrorise communities.
The federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recently launched a special military operation to combat bandits, a move ZGG credits with providing some relief.
“Without this intervention, the situation would be even worse,” Zurmi noted.
Public discontent has spilled into protests, with residents booing Lawal and his allies during visits to towns like Tsafe.
“The governor was called names by his former supporters, who now feel deceived,” the ZGG statement said.
“Similar protests greeted the deputy governor in Bukuyum and Hon Bello Hassan shinkafi, a House of Representatives member, in Shinkafi/Zurmi.
“In Zurmi, a key area Lawal promised to secure, residents chanted “Bamayi, Bamayi, Bamayi” – meaning “we don’t want you anymore” – during Moriki’s visit, reflecting anger over persistent insecurity.”
ZGG accused Lawal of launching a smear campaign against Matawalle to deflect criticism.
“The people have realised the deceitful manoeuvres they were subjected to during the campaign,” Zurmi said.
He said protests have occurred at least three times in Tsafe, with residents reportedly throwing stones and shouting abusive slogans at Lawal’s entourage.
ZGG warned voters to be wary of politicians who make unrealistic promises for personal gain.