Security Challenge: Zamfara Grassroots Mobilizer Defends Matawalle

By IBRAHIM ADAMU, Kaduna

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: Amidst rising criticism of Government officials saddled with responsibilities of providing security, particularly in the Northwest geopolitical region, a grassroots mobilizer and member of All Progressives Congress (APC), in Zamfara State Hon. Jamilu Hashimu has risen to the defence of Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle.

Hashimu in a statement exonerated Matawalle of blame in the sudden rise of banditry and insurgency in the Northwest and Northeast geopolitical zones of Nigeria, saying consideration of gains recorded since appointment of the Minister must not be lost and forgotten.

He lauded the proactive and far-reaching measures taken by the present administration of Bola Tinubu in tackling the security challenges he noted had overwhelmed northern part of Nigeria before 2023.

“If today we are faced with resurgence of activities of insurgents and bandits, We must not forget the recent past before this administration took over from her predecessor.

“President Tinubu hit the ground running by making the right choices in appointing former governors from Northwest Region; Badaru and Matawalle to head the most important Ministry of Defence because the two men could be trusted for having first hand information and real grasp of the problem at hand by virtue of their antecedents as chief security officers of their respective states of Jigawa and Zamfara.

“The two ministers since their appointments have to a large extend recorded some landmark feats in tackling the problem of banditry, kidnapping and insurgency that had hitherto bedevilled our dear region.

“The confidence of our people has been restored, farmers have gone back to their farmlands, food production has soared like never before, contributing positively to National food security efforts of the federal government.

“It is therefore, strange and absurd to turn around and blame these patriotic and hard-working ministers for the temporary setback being experienced which will soon be a thing of the past,” he submitted.

The Youth leader eulogized leadership antecedent of Matawalle as former governor of Zamfara, saying the minister had left indelible and praiseworthy marks in service to country and it’s people.

Hashimu expressed optimism in the ability of the current crop of security officials to overcome the present challenges which he described as ad-hoc and transient.