Governor Dauda: Admitting Failure or Supporting Banditry?

A video currently circulating on social media shows Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, speaking about his administration’s approach to combating armed banditry and supporting victims of such attacks. However, the remarks have sparked backlash and raised serious questions about the sincerity and effectiveness of his leadership.

Governor Lawal, who had confidently promised during his 2023 gubernatorial campaign to eliminate banditry within the first two months of his administration, is now approaching his second year in office with the crisis worsening.

As concerned citizens and members of the opposition, our consistent position remains that the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal has done little to alleviate the suffering of residents affected by the persistent attacks from bandits and other criminal elements.

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In the now-viral video, recorded during an interview at the Gusau General Hospital, the governor claims that his administration is still fighting the menace, though his tone lacked conviction. He also stated that victims of gunshot wounds receive free treatment at Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, both located in Gusau.

However, this claim starkly contrasts with on-ground realities. Only a few weeks ago, I personally visited Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and witnessed firsthand how victims of banditry were denied treatment due to a lack of funds. Tragically, some died as a result, with no visible intervention or support from the government.

If indeed the government is footing the medical bills of these victims, we challenge the governor to present verifiable records detailing beneficiaries, their local governments, dates of attacks, medical costs incurred, and proof of payments.

Additionally, journalists covering the governor’s statement should have probed deeper by visiting the hospitals to verify the claims and asking about victims from remote areas like Tsafe Local Government Area, who are far from the hospitals in Gusau.

The truth remains that many victims are neither receiving free treatment nor any form of support from the state government. The governor’s assertion, therefore, is misleading and disappointing.

We call on Governor Dauda Lawal to issue a public apology to the people of Zamfara and Nigerians at large for misrepresenting the facts. He must adopt a sincere and collaborative approach in tackling the banditry crisis and ensuring adequate support for its victims, or at the very least, refrain from making further misleading statements.

The people of Zamfara are discerning and will not be swayed by political propaganda or empty rhetoric. They deserve transparent, accountable leadership especially in the face of such dire insecurity.

Signed:
Yusuf Idris Gusau
Publicity Secretary, APC Zamfara State