The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development has urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard calls by “failed politicians” to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State.
In a statement on Friday, the Executive Director of the group, Alhaji Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, described the calls as “outrageous”, accusing certain politicians of sponsoring youths and associates to push for an emergency rule in Zamfara.
“It is outrageous that some failed politicians in the state would sponsor youths and other protégés to clamour for a state of emergency in Zamfara State, now that security and peace have significantly improved, paving the way for economic activities and massive infrastructural development—something that eluded the people for over 13 years due to unprecedented armed banditry long before Governor Dauda Lawal assumed office in 2023,” Shinkafi said.
He commended President Tinubu and the military for their sustained efforts against armed bandits and other criminal elements, not only in Zamfara State but across Nigeria’s northwestern region.
“This aligns with the provisions of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” he added.
Shinkafi argued that those calling for a state of emergency in Zamfara were “enemies of the people” and should be questioned by security agencies to uncover their agenda and sponsors.
He further asserted that imposing a state of emergency that leads to the suspension or removal of an elected governor, deputy governor, and state legislators was unconstitutional and undemocratic.
“There is no place for a sole administrator of a state in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which remains the nation’s grundnorm. Section 188 outlines the process for the removal of a governor or deputy governor, while Section 305 details the procedure for declaring a state of emergency. Zamfara State does not meet any of these conditions,” he said.
He dismissed those calling for emergency rule as “political hirelings” and provocateurs, arguing that if such reasoning were to be taken seriously, then a state of emergency would have to be declared across Nigeria due to the presence of terrorists, insurgents, militants, bandits, secessionists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.
“As a democrat who swore to uphold the Constitution, Mr President will not contemplate such an inappropriate move,” he stated.
Shinkafi praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s leadership, saying he had been working in synergy with President Tinubu and the military to tackle armed banditry in Zamfara, restoring public safety and order in many parts of the state.
“Zamfara’s citizens have suffered enough due to prolonged armed bandit attacks, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and displacement from their ancestral homes. Now is the time to rebuild the state, revitalise economic activities, and deliver the dividends of democracy to alleviate the people’s suffering,” he said.
He called on politicians in Zamfara to prioritise the state’s progress over political rivalries.
“Governor Lawal is not the issue. He should be allowed to do the job he was elected for, free from undue distractions,” he said.
