Northern Governors’ Absence at Security Meeting Draws Criticism from Safeguard Zamfara Coalition

The Safeguard Zamfara Coalition (SZC) has expressed deep disappointment and frustration towards the governors of Zamfara and Katsina states for their alleged disregard of a crucial meeting initiated by the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum with security chiefs.

The meeting aimed to address the current security crisis in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara and Katsina states, which have been plagued by escalating insecurity.

In a statement by the president general of SZC, Saminu Tukur, and made available to journalists in Abuja, the group condemned the actions of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Governor Umar Raddah of Katsina for failing to participate in the discussion that could have potentially yielded solutions to the dire security situation.

The SZC, dedicated to promoting peace and security in Zamfara and the surrounding regions, noted that these two governors, whose states have borne the brunt of the violence and bloodshed, had a responsibility to engage in dialogue and cooperation to safeguard the lives and well-being of their citizens.

The group also criticized the governors’ reliance on civilian forces (Yan Sa Kai) to combat the security challenges, stating that their unregulated and often indiscriminate operations have led to further violence and chaos, contributing to the deterioration of the security environment in the North-West region.

The SZC called for a more strategic and coordinated approach to address the root causes of insecurity, rather than resorting to short-sighted and potentially harmful tactics such as unleashing the Yan Sa Kai.

They warned against any attempts by the Zamfara and Katsina governors to politicize the security issue at the expense of the lives and safety of the people.

The group’s condemnation of the actions of the Zamfara and Katsina governors underscores the urgent need for strong and principled leadership in addressing the security challenges facing Northern Nigeria.

The governors must prioritize the safety and security of their citizens above all else and take meaningful steps to address the current security crisis in a responsible and effective manner.

It is crucial for the governors to rise above petty politics and personal agendas and work with stakeholders towards finding lasting solutions that will bring peace and stability to the region.

The lives and well-being of the people should be the paramount concern, and any actions by any governor that put them at risk or further endanger their security must not be tolerated.