Insecurity: North-East governors consider forming security outfit as Matawalle offers to resign if….

*Nigeria’s North-East Governors’ Forum stresses the need for a new set of pragmatic and result-oriented initiatives to be deployed to completely subdue the rampaging terrorists in the region

*If I know that my resigning as a governor will make the people sleep with their two eyes closed, I can resign ─Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In view of the persistent security challenges in the region in recent times, North-East Governors’ Forum in Nigeria has disclosed the possibility of forming a security outfit within the ambit of constitutional precedent and operational feasibility.

It is recalled that efforts have been made to evolve similar security outfits in other parts of the country as part of practical measures to tackle the rising insecurity.

Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, stated this at the opening ceremony of the 4th meeting of the North-East Governors Forum Wednesday, March 3, in Bauchi, Bauchi State.

The governor said the current escalation of deadly attacks by terrorists and the various causes of actions being pursued to fight insurgents have some limitations in terms of the expected impact.

Prof. Zulum advocated the need for a new set of pragmatic and result-oriented initiatives to be deployed to completely subdue the terrorists.

He stated: “On our part, in addition to the logistical and financial support we are rendering to the Armed Forces in their fight against general insecurity in the sub-region, we should also look into the possibility of forming a security outfit within the ambit of constitutional precedent and operational feasibility as has been done in other parts of the country.”

The Borno State Governor urged the Federal Government to seek support of mercenaries from neighbouring countries to enable it win the war against insurgents in the country.

Nigeria is fighting a war it cannot win alone, said Zulum.

“The government should also seek support from neighbouring countries, such as the Republic of Chad, Cameroon and Niger with a view to providing a joint action that will look into the possibility of ending this crisis,” North-East Governors Forum Chairman noted.

Meanwhile, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has offered to resign if taking such a step will bring a lasting solution to the high level of insecurity in the state.

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State

Zamfara is one of the North-West states currently affected by all manner of banditry in Nigeria.

Several persons have been killed while countless people have been abducted in attacks by different armed gangs in Zamfara State of late, according to reports.

However, responding to the disturbing trend of widespread insecurity in the state, the Federal Government declared Zamfara a ‘no-fly zone’ Tuesday, March 2, and also banned mining activities there.

Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, informed the media that that the action was taken based on the suspicion that choppers ferry in arms, ammunition, and other logistics for bandits.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has also alleged that helicopter drops arms for bandits in Benue, Taraba and Borno States in the country.

The ACF appealed to the Federal Government to extend its “no-fly zone” order to other states with security challenges aside from Zamfara.

The Forum, nonetheless, pleaded with the government to extend the ban to other states such as Benue, Taraba and Borno.

The group said there were ‘rumours’ that helicopters frequently dropped arms for bandits and insurgents operating in these states.

“We believe that such an extended ban will curtail the operations of the criminals in these areas,” stated ACF.

Subsequently, Matawalle while featuring on a Channels TV programme Wednesday stated that he would not mind using his job as a sacrifice for peace to reign in Zamfara State.

The governor said: “If I know that my resigning as a governor will make the people sleep with their two eyes closed, I can resign.

“I am ready to do what will bring security. I am not power-hungry. I have been having a sleepless night to protect the people of Zamfara State.”

It was also gathered that he has been pushing for dialogue with the bandits in the state.

According to him, repentant bandits facilitated the release of students of Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, who were abducted and later released earlier this week.

In respect of the presidential declaration of a ‘no-fly zone’ for his state, Matawalle who was reported to have rejected the decision of the Federal Government’s decision earlier, nsaid: “The decision of Mr. President on the no-fly zone, I accept it and I agree with that.

“People don’t even know that Zamfara does not have an airport. So, the states that have airports and are encountering this kind of situation, what happens to them?”

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