The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Dauda Lawal clashed on Sunday over the growing insecurity in the state.
The APC accused Governor Lawal of failing to keep his campaign promise to end banditry within three months of assuming office.
Speaking through its spokesperson, Yusuf Idris, the APC said the security situation in the state had worsened since Lawal became governor.
“Governor Lawal must be preparing to celebrate his second anniversary with a failed promise which he made during his governorship campaigns ahead of the 2023 elections,” Idris said.
Idris also criticised the governor for allegedly travelling during periods of crisis, instead of staying to lead and comfort the people.
He said the governor’s claim that victims of bandit attacks receive free medical treatment in public hospitals was false.
“I personally visited Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau, where victims were turned away because they couldn’t pay,” he said.
He challenged the governor to publish the names of victims who received free treatment, along with the locations, costs, and receipts.
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But the Governor’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mustafa Kaura, dismissed the APC’s claims as “baseless and unfounded.”
Kaura said the government had made “remarkable success” in fighting banditry since Lawal took office.
“During Governor Matawalle’s tenure, many towns were almost deserted. Today, people are returning to their communities,” he said.
He mentioned that the recruitment of civilian protection guards and increased support for security efforts had helped reduce attacks.
Kaura reminded the APC that its own member, the Minister of Defence and former governor, Bello Matawalle, shares in the responsibility for national security.
“It is shameful for APC members to shift all blame to Governor Lawal, knowing full well he does not command the security agencies,” Kaura said.
He urged the opposition to stop politicising the crisis and instead support ongoing efforts to restore peace in Zamfara