From Okwe Obi, Abuja
A group, Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), has dismissed the calls for a state of emergency in Zamfara State, describing it as politically motivated, ill-conceived, unwarranted, unpatriotic and unconstitutional.
PAPSD Executive Director, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, in a statement yesterday, said the call was a calculated attempt to destabilise the state, cause confusion and political upheavals to undermine Governor Dauda Lawal’s giant strides.
He claimed that Governor 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.
Shinkafi said: “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.”
He added: “In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal is focused on fulfilling his campaign promises, particularly executing his urban renewal projects with the support of most members of the State House of Assembly and citizens.
“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.
“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. From the above, the constitution does not empower the president to appoint a sole administrator in any state. It’s an aberration in a democracy.
“It is obvious that Zamfara State is not in a state of war to require a state of emergency.
“The spate of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy and kidnapping for ransom is not peculiar to Zamfara State it preceded the incumbent administration of Gov Dauda Lawal.
“The resurgence of armed banditry in the state is due to the upcoming farming season which provides bandits an opportunity to extort money from farmers during clearing of farmlands, planting and harvesting.
“Compared to previous years, security in Zamfara State has significantly improved. Sadly, most of the videos and pictures of attacks circulating on social media were past attacks mischievously reposted to overheat the polity and undermine the visionary leadership of Gov Lawal.”