Why Zamfara Iniatiated Peace Dialogue with Bandits- Gov Matawalle
Governor Bello Muhammed Matawallen Maradun, Barden Hausa, Shettiman Sokoto has expressed optimism that Zamfara State is moving fast to the People’s dreams in the restoration of lost glory and ensuring the most peaceful state in Nigeria.
The Governor stated this when he received the Leadership of the Coalition of Northern Groups led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the organisation, Malam Nastura Ashir Sharif who paid him a Courtesy Visit at Zamfara state Government liaison office, Maitama Abuja.
The Shettiman Sokoto remarked that Zamfara state was one of the most peaceful state in Nigeria since its creation but was eclipsed in the last Eight years when it turned to a nightmare as a result of Armed Banditry, kidnappings, cattle rustling and other violent criminal activities.
The Governor further explained that, with the coming of his Administration in May, 2019, he initiated peace dialogue with the Bandits on how best to ensure that the state returned to its good name as the most peaceful state, and to ensure that people of the state appreciate the importance of living in peace and harmony.
While thanking them for the visit, Governor Bello Matawalle said his Administration would partner with the Coalition in the areas of good Governance, peace and security, as the group is always agitating for Good Governance, National Unity and peaceful living in the country.
The Governor who briefed members of the organisation on the way and manner he restored the lost glory of the state into peaceul and harmonious state, said no amount of pressure or discouragement can deter him from doing everything humanly possible to salvage the people of the state from the menace of Banditry, kidnappings and other violent crimes in all parts of the state and even beyond.
Earlier, the Chairman of Board of Trustees of the Coalition of Northern Groups, Nastura Ashir Sharif who spoke through the Spokesman of the organisation, Comrade Abdulaziz Suleiman said the Group found it necessary to visit the Governor in order to appreciate what he is doing in ensuring that peace reigns in Zamfara state and the North in general.
He said the organisation has fully recognised Governor Matawalle’s statesmanlike efforts in facilitating the Release of the school children abducted from GSSS, Kankara of Katsina State in addition to his previous initiatives aimed at restoring public safety and law and order in the last two years.
Nastura Ashir Sharif who noted that the level of vigilance and prompt intervention of the Governor in these regards, speak volumes of his alertness to the leadership responsibilities saddled on the Governor, adding that this concern and decisive action are indeed worthy of commendation and respect by all and sundry.
He said the organisation recognized a point of convergence with Zamfara state Government’s model and expressed the willingness and commitment of the Group to partner with the state Government to offer every support for the noble cause of finding a permanent solution to the challenges.
The Group observed that if the peace initiative of Governor Bello Matawalle was adopted throughout the Northern States, particularly the front line States of Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Nasarawa, and Sokoto, the crisis will definitely end amicably.
The visit was attended by the former minister of finance and Honourary Adviser to the Governor, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda Gusau, member representating Gusau/Tsafe federal constituency in the federal House of Representatives, Hon. Kabiru Amadu Maipalace, Honourable Commissioners and other senior Government officials.
JAMILU ILIYASU BIRNIN MAGAJI
Press Secretary to the Governor of Zamfara state.
Wednesday 23/Dec/ 2020
