Renowned human rights activist and former Senator, Shehu Sani, has weighed in on the ongoing criticisms surrounding the former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sani condemned the attacks on both figures, calling them unnecessary distractions from the real battle against banditry.
The criticism of Matawalle stems from accusations leveled against him by the current Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and several civil society groups. They claim that Matawalle has maintained covert ties with the bandits responsible for wreaking havoc across the North West region. These allegations have stirred up political tension in the state, with many questioning the role of the former governor in addressing the security crisis.
Shehu Sani, however, sees the situation differently. He argues that the focus should remain squarely on eradicating the menace of banditry, rather than engaging in finger-pointing and political grandstanding. “Criticism of Matawalle and Ribadu is a distraction from the real issue at hand—the fight against banditry,” Sani remarked in his post, urging both political actors and the public to prioritize security efforts over personal vendettas.
Sani’s intervention highlights the complexities of governance and security in Zamfara, a state long plagued by banditry, kidnappings, and lawlessness. While the current administration is determined to crack down on criminal elements, the accusations against Matawalle risk diverting attention from critical security operations.
The former senator’s comments have sparked a wave of reactions online, with many supporting his call for unity in the fight against insecurity. As Zamfara remains at the epicenter of Nigeria’s banditry crisis, Sani’s message resonates as a reminder that political squabbles should not overshadow the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
The fight against banditry in Zamfara and other parts of the North West remains a daunting challenge, but as Shehu Sani suggests, cooperation and focus on solutions—not blame—are crucial to making lasting progress.
PIONEER NEWS 