ABUJA – A group under the aegis of the Centre for Democracy and Development, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency for a period off six months in Zamfara state due to the political altercation between Governor Dauda Lawal and members of the State House of Assembly.

Convener of the group, Ibrahim Yakubu, while addressing newsmen on Monday, said Governor Lawal’s actions against the Legislators have plunged the state into economic sabotage, anarchy, and instability.

While condemning the alleged anti-democratic actions of the Governor, the group cited the suspension of 10 members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly for 13 months, simply for expressing concerns about the state’s security situation.

This, the coalition argued, has crippled the legislative chamber and denied the people of Zamfara effective representation.

In addition, the coalition accused the governor of authoritarianism, citing his directive to suspend eight members of the House who raised concerns about the worsening security crisis.

The group described the action as a clear abuse of power and an attack on democracy just as they flayed the state government’s alleged complicity in illegal mining activities in the state, which, according to the group, has led to the exploitation of Zamfara’s gold reserves.

A six-month emergency period is necessary to restore order, dismantle the networks of political and economic terrorists, and pave the way for a return to democratic governance.

“This is not a call made lightly; it is a demand born out of necessity, as the current trajectory threatens not only Zamfara but the entire nation. The good people of Zamfara deserve leadership that upholds the rule of law, prioritizes security, and safeguards national resources.

“Additionally, We implore Mr. President to use every resource and tool at his disposal to handle the crisis in Zamfara.

“The Federal Government must take swift action in order to secure the state resources, defend people’s lives and livelihoods, and hold those culpable for the current situation accountable. The time for Half-measures and false promises are no longer an option; strong, quick action is now required.

“It is evident that Governor Dauda Lawal’s tenure has been an unmitigated disaster, a relentless assault on democracy, a blatant disregard for the rule of law, and a shocking indifference to the suffering of the people he was elected to serve,” the group said.
https://independent.ng/declare-state-of-emergency-in-zamfara-group-urges-tinubu/