The Zamfara Youth Awareness Forum has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal Dare for what it described as the politicisation of insecurity in the state, urging him to focus on governance instead of attacking the Minister of Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle.
In a statement on Friday signed by its Secretary, Muhammad Abubakar Gusau, the group faulted a recent press release by the Peoples Democratic Party headquarters condemning Matawalle for receiving defectors from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress in Abuja.
ZYAF described the PDP’s statement as “a case of crying wolf after losing credibility,” saying Governor Lawal had been the first to turn his office into a political venue by welcoming APC members who defected to the PDP with “media fanfare and celebrations.”
“The PDP has no moral ground to criticise Matawalle,” the group said.
“Governor Dauda started this political showmanship. Now that his party members are defecting to the APC, he suddenly claims it is wrong. That is pure hypocrisy.”
The forum said the recent wave of defections from the PDP to the APC reflected deep frustration with the Lawal administration, which it accused of failing to unite the party and fulfil its campaign promises, especially on security.
“Dauda Lawal has failed to deliver on his promise to tackle insecurity,” the group said.
“Instead of cooperating with federal authorities, he has turned banditry into a political tool to score cheap points.”
ZYAF praised Matawalle’s performance as Minister of Defence, citing the “successful elimination of notorious bandit kingpins such as Halilu Sububu” as proof of the former governor’s commitment to restoring peace across the North-West.
“Dr Bello Matawalle’s results are visible and measurable,” the statement read.
“His sincerity and achievements are the reasons many PDP members, including candidates in recent elections, are joining the APC.”
The group urged the PDP to “stop crying foul” and acknowledge the federal government’s ongoing efforts to end insecurity.
“Instead of insulting Matawalle, the PDP should be thanking him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking decisive action against the bandits terrorising our people,” the forum added.
ZYAF reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and Dr Matawalle, praying for their continued success in restoring peace and unity in the country.