ZAMFARA: A Call for Responsible Leadership Amidst Crisis

By Sani Abdul’aziz

The recent press statement which was released by the Zamfara State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), titled “The Paradox of Leadership: Matawalle’s Visit Amidst Crisis,” raises pertinent issues that cannot be ignored. While the statement makes its arguments, it is essential to clarify certain aspects and address the broader issues surrounding leadership, governance, and accountability in our state which the statement deliberately ignored but instead descended on Matawalle, who is trying his best to deliver in his responsibility as a federal government minister with Nigeria as his constituency.

In the beginning, it is important to recognize the current Minister, State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle’s, role and the expectations that come with it. Definitely, Honourable Matawalle as a public figure and a leader; his actions are always under scrutiny, especially during a period of insecurity in any part of the nation. However, the Zamfara PDP’s attempt to frame Matawalle’s recent visit to military outposts in Sokoto as a mere political manoeuvre falls short of acknowledging the complexity of the security situation entirely. The statement maliciously claims that his actions reflect a disregard for his constituents, but this perspective fails to consider the national security responsibilities that come with his ministerial position.

Zamfara State is indeed grappling with severe insecurity, but one should not mix emotions in issues of insecurity to divert attention of the populace. The daily reports of bandit attacks, kidnappings, and other violent crimes have created a pervasive sense of fear. The PDP’s concern should be on complementing Matawalle’s efforts to provide the people of Zamfara on the needed assurance that their leaders at the Federal level are actively working to address. But, suggesting that Matawalle’s visit to military facility in Sokoto undermines his commitment to the state is misleading. The PDP in the state should understand that Matawalle as the Minister of state Defence, his mandate is not limited to one state but extends across the entire country. His engagement in regional defense matters should be seen as part of a broader strategy to tackle security challenges across the North West, including Zamfara.

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The PDP’s statement also calls for Matawalle to step down, stating that it would be more honorable for him to resign than to “parade as the minister of defense while [his] home state languishes in chaos.” While the call for accountability is laudable, this proposition overlooks the reality of national leadership. Resignation may seem like an easy way out, but it does not necessarily translate into immediate security improvements. What Zamfara needs is not a symbolic resignation but a dedicated effort to strengthen security frameworks, improve coordination among local and federal forces, and engage in long-term planning to address the root causes of banditry and insecurity.

Furthermore, the PDP’s emphasis on “eye service” implies that the minister’s actions are mere optics rather than substantive efforts. This criticism ignores the complex, multi-layered challenges that leaders face in a crisis. Solutions to insecurity in Zamfara will not emerge from one visit or one policy; they require a concerted effort involving community engagement, regional cooperation, and consistent support from the federal government as is being championed by the state Minister of Defence Matawalle. It is simplistic to suggest that Matawalle’s physical presence in his home state can alone resolve the issues that have been festering for years. What is required is a cohesive strategy that includes better intelligence gathering, resource allocation, and a robust framework for inter-state collaboration, all of which Matawalle is tasked to influence as part of his ministerial duties.

Moreover, the PDP’s statement fails to acknowledge the efforts already being undertaken to improve security in Zamfara by the federal government. For example, there have been recent deployments of additional troops, increased surveillance, and measures to enhance cooperation with neighbouring states. These efforts represent a step in the right direction. Constantly disparaging Matawalle’s efforts without acknowledging the ongoing efforts does not foster the unity needed to tackle such complex challenges in Zamfara.

The call for leaders to realign themselves with the needs of their constituents is one that resonates deeply. However, it is crucial for the PDP and all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue rather than sensationalist critiques. The insecurity in Zamfara is not a partisan issue; it affects all residents, regardless of political affiliation. Therefore, in these trying times, political leaders should work together to support initiatives that can bring sustainable peace and stability to the region. Criticism should be accompanied by viable solutions, and suggestions should aim to enhance, not undermine, ongoing efforts by the federal government.

The issue of leadership in times of crisis demands not only accountability but also a measured and holistic understanding of the broader context which the PDP in Zamfara fails to acknowledge. The Minister of Defence for state, Dr Bello Matawalle has responsibilities that extend beyond Zamfara, and while his constituents’ safety remains paramount, solutions cannot be achieved by actions driven solely by optics or political motivations. It is vital for all parties involved to focus on cooperation, transparency, and pragmatic strategies that can truly address the root causes of insecurity. The people of Zamfara deserve nothing from the PDP leadership in the state less than genuine, concerted efforts from their leaders, in the state to build a safer, more secure future not venturing into unfounded political vendetta.

Leaders of the Zamfara PDP must step up to the challenge, but equally important is the role of the public and political leaders in fostering an environment conducive to progress not criticisms. Constructive criticisms, combined with collaborative efforts, are what will lead Zamfara out of the crisis and not divisive rhetoric or calls for resignation that serve only to distract people from the real issues at hand. The North West Zone, including Zamfara, requires action, integrity, and above all, unity in the face of adversity – that is what Matawalle is determined to achieve.

Abdul’aziz writes from Abuja