By Sumaila HABIB
The recent media campaign launched by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, against Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle MON has raised questions about the underlying motives.
According to security analyst, Col. Anthony Wonah (rtd), one reason for this campaign is the neutralization of bandits suspected to be close ally to Governor Lawal, particularly Halilu Sububu.
Col. Anthony Wonah (rtd), said that one of the reasons why Zamfara State governor Dauda Lawal embarked on media campaign against the Federal government and his predecessor, the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle could be traced to the fact that Matawalle neutralized his loyal ally, Halilu Sububu who is alleged to have died with the governor’s treasure at his disposal.
Col. Anthony Wonah noted: “In my opinion, one among the reasons why Zamfara governor Dauda Lawal is attacking Matawalle is because of the neutralization of some bandits kingpins terrorising the northwestern region especially Halilu Sububu who is believed to be Dauda Lawal’s right hand man in gold mining business, which I think happened to die with Mr, Dauda untraceable fortunes.”
The governor has left the development of Zamfara State unattended to, instead he has directed his energy in tarnishing the image of Matawalle before the Federal Government and his admirers because of his popularity.
In Col. Wonah’s words: “Dauda Lawal’s style of governance is quite different from other sitting governors, looking at the way he abandoned his expected responsibilities as a governor, to embark on blame games to cover up his weakness. Dauda Lawal should have known that any government must inherit assets and liabilities.
“If Lawal hands are clean regarding the issue of terrorism and banditry, he should explain to Nigerians the motive behind the already leaked memo where some bandit kingpins were captured as beneficiaries of hundreds of Millions of Naira including late bandits’ kingpin, Halilu Sububu, and the reshufflement of Treasury Staffs after the memo was leaked.”
So many questions relating to act of terrorism, banditry and corruption hanging on the neck of Governor Lawal needs explanation. Until he is able to provide answers to these questions, he should face governance and leave Matawalle alone.
Sumaila Habib is a public affairs analyst
