Enough of the blame game: Arewa CSOs slam Zamfara governor, demand action or Resignation
By Hussaina Yakubu
May 13, 2025
A coalition of over 65 civil society organizations under the banner of the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Organizations has expressed deep dissatisfaction with what it described as the growing leadership failure and blame game tactics of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
The press conference, held at Arewa House, Kaduna, and addressed by the convener, Aminu Abbas Arabi, brought together civil society leaders from across Northern Nigeria who called out the Governor for what they termed his obsession with vilifying his predecessor rather than fulfilling his electoral promises.
“Since assuming office, Governor Dauda Lawal has displayed more interest in attacking his predecessor than in delivering democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara,” Arabi said.
“He has become a noisy, empty gong, chasing shadows instead of presenting a tangible scorecard to justify the billions of naira allocated to the state.”
The coalition decried the security situation in Zamfara, describing the state as an “open abattoir and cemetery,” where terrorists sack communities and extort vulnerable residents.
The group blamed Governor Lawal for failing in his role as the chief security officer of the state, citing recent killings, including that of an imam and his son, as examples of his government’s inaction.
According to Arabi, despite increased federal allocations since the fuel subsidy removal, governor lawal has not made any significant developmental strides, instead choosing to engage in “imaginary probes” and “baseless petitions” while Zamfara continues to slide into chaos.
“It is embarrassing that Zamfara, blessed with abundant human and natural resources, remains underdeveloped because of one man’s incompetence and misplaced priorities. If Dauda Lawal cannot govern, he should resign immediately,” the group declared.
The coalition accused the governor of preparing for reelection in 2027 by diverting state resources rather than improving internally generated revenue and attracting investment to the state.
It also noted that no investor had shown interest in Zamfara due to insecurity and erratic policies.
In comparison, Arabi pointed to the Sokoto State Governor who also inherited an opposition-led government as an example of focused leadership, noting that he has not wasted time blaming his predecessor but is instead delivering progress in spite of challenges.
The group also warned that the governor’s poor relationship with the military has hindered the fight against banditry, alleging that his mismanagement has excluded the people from playing any supportive role in restoring peace to the state.
To drive home their demands, the coalition issued a 7-day ultimatum to Governor Lawal to stop the distractions and focus on governance or face massive civil action.
“If he fails to act within the stipulated period, over 73 million of our members will occupy the Zamfara State Government House, House of Assembly, Judiciary Complex, and Secretariat.
We will no longer sit back and allow the politics of blame to destroy our region,” Arabi stated.
The Coalition called on other northern leaders to join in demanding accountability and good governance in Zamfara and beyond, warning that the people of the region would no longer tolerate inefficiency and excuses.(NAN)