By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
Governor Dauda Lawal Dare’s recent attempt to take credit for the ongoing security successes in Zamfara is not only misleading, but a clear display of political inconsistency and opportunism. It is important to remind the people of Zamfara and Nigerians at large how Governor Lawal rode into office on the back of promises he has completely failed to deliver.
During the 2023 general elections, Lawal shamelessly used the deep insecurity in Zamfara as a campaign weapon, pointing fingers at the former governor, Bello Matawalle, and boldly vowing to end insecurity in the state within a month if elected.
However, once in office, it quickly became clear that those promises were nothing but empty rhetoric. Rather than taking responsibility for the worsening security situation, Governor Lawal dramatically shifted blame to the federal government, claiming he lacked the soldiers and police officers to combat the crisis and therefore could not be held accountable. This sudden U-turn exposed the governor’s lack of foresight, leadership, and understanding of the gravity of Zamfara’s security challenges.
Now, in a move that reeks of political desperation, the same Governor Lawal Dare is attempting to take credit for the remarkable security breakthroughs recently achieved in Zamfara — breakthroughs that are the direct result of the tireless efforts of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Lawal neither provided meaningful support nor initiated these operations. In fact, his government has largely been absent in the practical security collaboration that brought about these results.
This double-faced approach only further highlights Dauda Lawal Dare’s inconsistency and lack of integrity. A leader who once promised swift action, then denied responsibility, and now rushes to claim victory for the hard work of others, cannot be trusted. The people of Zamfara deserve a governor who is honest, consistent, and genuinely committed to their safety — not one who exploits their pain for political gain and seeks to hijack the credit for achievements he had no hand in.
Signed
Secretary of the forum
Dr Alhaji Umaru Yusuf Tsafe,
