Between Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal and Matawalle

If politics can be likened to a drum, controversy would be the most celebrated dancer to its sounds. This is clear from the drama playing out in Zamfara State. The current governor, Dauda Lawal, for all his good works, cannot seem to take his eyes off his predecessor, Bello Matawalle. And because the latter doubles as Minister of State for Defence, the clear crease in their relationship has strong implications for peace and prosperity in Zamfara State.

Zamfara is a beautiful place. The people are friendly and jaw-dropping sights abound. But the state governor, Lawal, is not on the best of terms with his forebear, Matawalle. This would not be a problem, except that the latter is the Defence Minister, and Zamfara is becoming a gathering place for bandits.

Based on reports, Lawal has been putting in some effort to drag down Matawalle’s name in the mud. Slinging slabs of corruption and terrible governance against his predecessor, the gist is that Lawal hopes for the good people of Zamfara to hiss at Matawalle whenever his name is mentioned. Whether the moves have been effective is another matter entirely.

Several elders reportedly spoke up against Lawal’s moves recently. According to them, neither is exactly at fault for whatever troublesome thing they have cooking in between them. However, this is not the time. Lawal ought to concentrate on delivering good governance and leave Matawalle to handle the issues of security and defence.

Whether the elders’ advice will be taken to heart is something that only Lawal knows. What is certain is that bandits in the state, especially the notorious Bello Turji, are having fun at the expense of the people. Even though Lawal has promised that the fellow’s reign will be ended soon, how are the people supposed to believe that when he does not seem to be able to look beyond mere political disagreements?

As things stand, the matter of security is balanced between the shoulders of the governor and his predecessor, whether they like it or not. To meet the demands of their respective offices, they might have to throw their tiff to one side and secure the state from bandits and terrorists.