The Stance of Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi: A Strong Resistance Against the State of Emergency in Zamfara
Cutting to the Chase
Political Figure from APGA discusses the proposal for Tinubu to implement a State of Emergency in Zamfara State
The former National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has flat-out refused calls for a state of emergency in Zamfara State. He ain't buying the hype that the situation in Zamfara mirrors what transpired in Rivers State.
The Politics of Instability
Speaking on behalf of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), Shinkafi doesn't hold back when he calls the demands for a state of emergency a cunning act to destabilize the state and stir up political chaos. This, he claims, would jeopardize the efforts set forth by Governor Dauda Lawal.
"There's no comparison between the two states. The scenario that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State ain't Relatable to Zamfara State," hollers Shinkafi.
Power Grab by the Opposition
Shinkafi maintains that the pandemonium and political tension in Zamfara stem from opposition elements who couldn't secure power through the ballot box. Thus, they're now funding protests to snatch victory through the backdoor.
He adds that the outcry for a state of emergency forms part of a wider strategy by some state factions who hate Governor Lawal's progress. "They're trying to finagle a win from the backdoor what they failed to get in the elections," Shinkafi says boldly.
The Persistent Plagues
Shinkafi confirms that challenges such as banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping have long pestered Zamfara. These issues have reared their ugly heads before the current administration and mainly revolve around the farming season, providing crooks with lucrative opportunities.
A Worsening Security Scenario
However, Shinkafi stresses that, compared to previous years, the security situation in Zamfara has significantly improved. Yet, he cries foul, stating that videos and images of old attacks are deceitfully spun and spread on social media to sow discord and tarnish Governor Lawal's administration's reputation.
On the Powers of Governors and Amending the Constitution
Shinkafi calls out the limitations on the powers of state governors as it concerns security management. He argues that their roles are nominally titled as the Chief Security Officers of their states, but their responsibilities are more ceremonial.
He advocates for an amendment to the Constitution, urging lawmakers to grant governors the authority to deploy security forces promptly to address security breaches.
The Call to Action
Shinkafi appeals to President Bola Tinubu, the military leaders, and the federal government to promptly address the security challenges in Zamfara (and affected states). He encourages the before-mentioned parties to ensure military personnel are equipped, motivated, and prepared to effectively combat criminal elements.
Solidifying Public Safety
To strengthen public safety, Shinkafi recommends that Governor Lawal convene an emergency summit. Key figures such as security chiefs, religious leaders, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and civil society organizations would be invited to collaborate on a strategy to tackle the security threats in the state.
"This will further ensure public safety and prevent the security breaches witnessed recently at Kaura Namoda,” Shinkafi concludes.
- Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), rejects suggestions for a state of emergency in Nigeria's Zamfara State, stating that it bears no resemblance to the scenario in Rivers State.
- Shinkafi, on behalf of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), views calls for a state of emergency as politically motivated, designed to destabilize the state and create chaos.
- According to Shinkafi, opposition forces unable to seize power legitimately through elections are fuelling the unrest in Zamfara, funding protests in a bid to manipulate the system.
- Banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping have been persistent challenges in Zamfara, historically exacerbated during the farming season, offering opportunities for criminal activities.
- Shinkafi points out that the security situation in Zamfara has seeemingly improved compared to previous years, yet he criticizes the spread of misleading videos and images of old attacks on social media, purposefully designed to create discord and damage Governor Dauda Lawal's reputation.
- Shinkafi underlines the need for an amendment in the Constitution to grant state governors the power to swiftly deploy security forces in response to security breaches, highlighting their nominal role as Chief Security Officers of their respective states.
- Shinkafi appeals to President Bola Tinubu, military leaders, and the federal government to urgently address the security challenges in Zamfara (and other affected states), ensuring that military personnel are equipped, motivated, and prepared to combat criminal elements effectively.
- To fortify public safety in Zamfara, Shinkafi recommends that Governor Lawal organizes an emergency summit with key stakeholders such as security chiefs, religious leaders, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and civil society organizations to develop a strategy for tackling security threats in the state, for instance, the recent incidents at Kaura Namoda.
