Northern elders back Zamfara’s endorsement of Tinubu

Cite gains in security

From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto

The Northern Elders Progressive Group has described the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by residents of Zamfara State as a timely gesture that reinforces the administration’s commitment to good governance and security reforms.

The group’s position was contained in a statement issued on Monday by its coordinator, Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar, and made available to journalists in Sokoto.

Abubakar commended the Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State governor, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, for what he called his “clear political vision” and sustained efforts toward addressing insecurity in the North.

He said Matawalle’s recent visit to Zamfara had strengthened stability in the state and rekindled public confidence in ongoing military operations across the region.

“It is a blessed visit, going by the achievements so far recorded, especially with the measures taken by military operations to ensure continuous onslaughts against bandits’ enclaves,” Abubakar said.

According to him, military action remains the most effective strategy for ending banditry and other forms of insecurity in the North, despite past attempts at dialogue or reconciliation with armed groups.

“We must commend the role of Bello Matawalle in supporting military operations that have helped destroy several bandits’ enclaves in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi states,” he added.

Abubakar applauded the efforts of Operation Fansan Yamma and urged President Tinubu to further strengthen operational logistics to boost troop morale, particularly in high-risk states such as Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna.

While praising the President’s security interventions, the group said the endorsement by Zamfara citizens was a reflection of growing confidence in the administration’s efforts to tackle banditry, criminality and other threats.

“We commend the decision of the people of Zamfara in supporting and endorsing President Tinubu to continue his good work beyond 2027. Such a gesture gives hope and encouragement for improved security, peace and economic development.”

The group also lauded the military for its “sustained sacrifices and operations” aimed at making communities safer across the North.