By Musa Ubandawaki in Sokoto

SOKOTO: Zamfara Peace Initiatives Forum (ZAPIF) has advocated for the need to emulate the strategies of the Minister of state for defence and ex-governor of Zamfara state  Bello Muhammad Matawalle in combating security challenges bedeviling Zamfara and its neighbouring states.

Acting Secretary of the Association Alhaji Ahmad Bako, made the suggestion at an interactive session with the Journalists on Monday.

Bako, a traditional title holder of Danmadamin Kucheri in Zamfara, highlighted the former Governor’s numerous implemented strategies in the past aimed at combating banditry and other criminalities in Zamfara.

” It is important to recall that when he assumed office, the issue of banditry had already been entrenched, having persisted through the tenure of his predecessor, Governor Abdulaziz Yari. Despite Yari’s efforts over eight years, the banditry crisis remained unresolved.”

” His stewardship approached the situation with energy, passion, and determination, aiming to bring an end to the insecurity he had inherited.”

” The first 100 days of his stewardship  in  office  as Governor witnessed a remarkable period of peace, with no reports of killings or kidnappings for ransom.”

He said in response to that, now, the Minister of State for defence employed various strategies, engaging directly with the bandits with a view to convince them to abandon their wanton criminal activities.

” Despite these efforts, recent allegations against Matawalle appear to be politically motivated, designed to tarnish his reputation and overlook the genuine work he undertook during his time as Governor.

” These politically driven accusations fail to recognize the significant efforts on record that reflect Matawalle’s dedication to restoring peace. Those who seek to undermine his legacy seem intent on blinding the public to the truth, Bako added.

According to him, fortunately, the historical record stands as a testament to Matawalle’s commitment to ensuring peace not just in Zamfara State, but across Nigeria.

He further explained that during Matawalle’s first 100 days in office, peace prevailed throughout Zamfara State. On September 8, 2019, the Igbo community was the first to publicly commend the governor, with media outlets reporting, “Igbo Residents Laud Zamfara Governor for Tackling Insecurity.”

He noted that when the security situation worsened, Matawalle actively sought solutions, for example, the public witnessed his relentless efforts, including frequent visits to the Presidential Villa and outreach to neighboring states and even countries like Niger.

He said on June 22, 2020, after a meeting with the Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Gambari, Matawalle briefed the media about the security situation in Zamfara.

He also met with then-President Buhari on several occasions, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Nigerian military chiefs on several occasions, seeking support.

According to him, on August 25, 2021, as the situation in northern Nigeria became critical, Matawalle called for a state of emergency on security, extending his concern beyond Zamfara. In a drastic move, he advised the people of Zamfara to arm themselves for self-defense and instructed the Commissioner of Police to issue licenses to willing citizens.

Additionally, he ordered the closure of markets and filling stations in heavily affected areas and authorized security forces to shoot any motorbike rider on sight in restricted zones.

” Matawalle also made the difficult decision to shut down telecommunication networks in the state for several months, aiming to disrupt bandit communications.” Says the secretary