Why We Have Security Problem In The North – Matawalle

The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, on Thursday noted that the northern region of Nigeria would continue to be attacked by bandits, Boko Haram due to lack of respect for leaders, especially traditional rulers.

Governor Matawalle further stated that crimes in the region are carried out by youths in communities.

He stated this when he received people of Anka, Bungudu, Bukkuyum and Maru Local Government areas led by their Emirs and Local Government Chairmen who paid him Sallah homage at the Government House, Gusau, the state capital.

He said, “Most of the security challenges in the north could be traced to lack of respect for traditional rulers and recognised regional leaders who can always be called upon to advise on social and political leadership.”

“No society can make any meaningful impact and enjoy perfect peace when there is no harmonious relationship between the youths and their leaders. That is why I directed that this year, I will not receive any community at the Government House except they are led by its traditional ruler.”

Matawalle called on people in power to always respect traditional rulers and institution with respect as they are the catalyst for societal integration.

“We must start according to respect and dignity to our rulers like it was before because Allah gave them the position which we have to recognise,” he said.

“Henceforth, we shall be the ones going down to the Emirs’ palaces for Sallah homage to spend a day or two with them and their people at the grassroots.”

He insisted that unrepentant bandits and informants would not go unpublished, appealing to the people to renew commitment to fight against notorious bandits and kidnappers, pointing out that security is the responsibility of everybody, and not only the responsibility of the government or security agencies.

“Everybody must put hands on deck to look inwards and flush out the notorious elements among us. Most of the crimes committed by the bandits at the grassroots indicate connivance with informers.”