Zamfara state has a lot going on, from its rich mineral resources to the ongoing security challenges. It’s like a bittersweet tale, you know? On one hand, there’s gold, iron ore, granite, limestone, and more, but on the other hand, illegal mining has turned the state into a hotspot for banditry and kidnapping. It’s a real rollercoaster of a story.
Zamfara has a pretty interesting history too. It’s been a part of the old Hausa Kingdoms and played a role in the Usman Danfodio Jihad of 1804. But these days, it’s mostly making headlines for all the wrong reasons. It’s a shame, really.
The state has also produced some big names who have done great things for Nigeria and beyond. But now, when you think of misgovernance in Northern Nigeria, Zamfara is right up there.
But let’s not forget the rich culture and important towns in Northern Nigeria. Zamfara is home to some really prominent towns like Gusau, Kauran Namoda, Anka, Gummi, and Talata Mafara. It’s a shame that all this good stuff is overshadowed by the bad.
About 12 years ago, Zamfara started dealing with banditry and poverty, adding to the already high number of out-of-school children in the North-west. When Governor Dauda Lawal took over, Zamfara had a big chunk of these out-of-school kids. The insecurity, kidnapping, and school closures didn’t help at all.
Then came the 2023 elections, and boy, did things get interesting. The people of Zamfara really shook things up. In the presidential election, they voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu won the state. But in the gubernatorial election, they went for something completely different. It was a real plot twist!
So, why the sudden change? And what’s with the unnecessary drama against Governor Dauda Lawal by former Governor Bello Mutawalle and co.? Let’s talk about Dauda Lawal for a sec. He’s a new kind of politician, not your typical ‘system’ guy. He’s been through a lot, winning the gubernatorial primary election twice and facing court challenges. He’s got over 25 years of banking experience and knows his stuff.
But here’s the kicker: while Governor Dauda is trying to fix the mess—tackling insecurity, poverty, out-of-school children, and misgovernance—there’s all this distraction going on. The Zamfara state government even dropped some bombshells about the Zamfara cargo airport and the governor’s lodge in the 14 local government areas. It’s a real mess!
Former Governor Bello Matawalle is in the middle of it all, with allegations of embezzlement and shady deals. But he’s denying everything, saying it’s all a big misunderstanding. It’s like a real-life soap opera!
But here’s the thing: why did the people of Zamfara go for something new in the 2023 election? Why did misgovernance and insecurity stick around for so long? And why is the current government facing all this unnecessary drama? It all comes down to one thing: Governor Dauda Lawal seems to have the answer to Zamfara’s problems. If he succeeds, it’s game over for the drama and distractions.
Looking at what’s been happening in Zamfara, it’s clear that the people want change. They’re tired of the banditry, corruption, and poverty. They want a fresh start, with leaders who are accountable and transparent. Governor Dauda Lawal promised them just that, and they’re holding him to it.
So, what’s the deal with former Governor Bello Mutawalle? Shouldn’t he be working with Governor Dauda to tackle the security challenges? Instead, he’s adding fuel to the fire. It’s like a bad plot twist in a movie!
In the end, Zamfara is at a crossroads. The people want change, and they’re looking to Governor Dauda Lawal to make it happen. Let’s hope he’s got what it takes to turn things around.
By Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja