… Knocks Attempts to Destabilise Zamfara
A Non-Governmental pro-democracy organisation, under the aegis of The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) has dismissed the calls for a state of emergency in Zamfara State as politically motivated, ill-conceived, unwarranted, unpatriotic and unconstitutional.
PAPSD while condemning the calls describes it as a calculated attempt to destabilise the state, cause confusion and political upheavals to undermine Governor Dauda Lawal.
The group further responded to the calls querying its motive, and said the state governor, Dauda Lawal should not be distracted from focusing on the giant strides in transforming Zamfara from an agricultural- base to an industrial state.
The Patriots commended the governor emphasizing his laudable achievements in two years he assumed office.
“Gov Lawal has demonstrated capacity, competence and courage in implementing his government’s Rescue Mission that is speeding up development and transformation of the state with landmark projects and pro-people policies including payment of the ₦70,000.00 national minimum wage and social amenities that have improved the well-being of citizens after over 10 years of stagnation and insecurity”, the group declared in a statement.
In their statement signed by the Executive Director, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi (WAMBAN SHINKAFI), a former National Secretary, APGA and shared with the media on Saturday the Patriots expressed worry over the plot by a ‘cabal’ to destabilise the peace in Zamfara state.
“It is this era of peace, unity and development that a cabal that held the state hostage for years has been sponsoring youths to stage protests calling for a state of emergency as declared in Rivers State.
“There is no comparison between the two states. The situation that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not applicable to Zamfara State”, the statement reads in part.
The Patriots accused the opposition of attempts to pull the state governor down at all cost.
“It is unfortunate that some opposition politicians in the state instead of aligning with the governor to build a better Zamfara, have resorted to sponsoring youths to demonstrate in streets calling for a state of emergency as if Nigeria is a banana republic without laws and a constitution for progressive governance. They try to get from the backdoor what they lost in elections” they said.
The statement highlighted the processes outlined in the 1999 constitution for the removal of a governor.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 188 of the 1999 constitution, as amended provides the procedure for the removal of a governor or deputy governor from office”.
PAPSD urges President Bola Tinubu and the military high command to quickly address the security breach as previously done, stressing that security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government.
The Patriots reiterated commitment to continue to intervene in crucial national and state issues in order to foster peace, unity, security and prosperity in Nigeria.
