Zamfara lawmakers accuse Dauda Lawal of neglecting security, mull impeachment
The Zamfara state parallel assembly, led by Bashar Aliyu Gummi, has accused Governor Dauda Lawal of neglecting the state’s worsening security situation.
The lawmakers called on the federal government to take over coordination of security operations in Zamfara to protect lives and property, citing provisions of chapter two of the constitution.
At its plenary on Tuesday, members recounted multiple attacks by bandits across the state, alleging that the governor was more focused on his second-term bid than on responding to security emergencies.
They criticised Lawal for failing to visit affected communities or send government representatives or assistance to victims’ families.
The lawmakers claimed that the governor only showed interest in visiting Banga community in Kaura Namoda local government — recently attacked by bandits — because of an upcoming state assembly bye-election in the area.
Bashir Abubakar Masama, representing Bukkuyum North, commended the federal government’s efforts but accused the state government of frustrating security personnel.
He said communities such as Adapka, Zauma, Gwashi and Mayanchi in his constituency had been repeatedly attacked.
Bashir Bello Sarkin Zango, representing Bungudu West, said bandits had turned villages like Gidan Bugaje, Zaman Gida, Kukan Nine and Gidan Dan-inna into “war zones”.
Aliyu Ango Kagara, minority leader and member for Talata Mafara South, listed Morai, Bobbo, Makera, Jangebe, Gwaram and Ruwan Gizo as some of the most affected areas in his constituency.
Other members, including Ibrahim Tudu Tukur Bakura (Bakura), Amiru Ahmed Keta (Tsafe West), Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun I) and Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), accused the governor of negligence, insensitivity and placing personal interests above public safety.
Dosara urged the house to consider serving the governor with an impeachment notice, while Maru alleged that political thugs loyal to the government had assaulted internally displaced persons staging a peaceful protest.
The assembly members advised residents to remain law-abiding and provide credible information to security agencies to help combat criminal activity.
