By Suleiman Abbah
In today’s world, safety or security is a paramount concern for communities at all levels. Governments play a crucial role in ensuring the protection of citizens but often need to rely on grassroots participation to effectively address the diverse and ever-evolving security challenges faced by communities.
The security situation in Zamfara is currently critical, with Governor Dauda Dare seemingly at odds over how to address the ongoing challenges. Since assuming office, the governor has consistently failed to go beyond lamentations and cooperate with Nigerian federal security agencies, preferring to engage in perpetual complain, blame games, and finger-pointing instead of actively seeking solutions to combat the terrorist activities plaguing the state.
Governor Lawal’s approach to security issues in Zamfara calls into question his leadership abilities and commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the state. Rather than working collaboratively with security agencies to develop effective strategies to combat terrorism, he has chosen to engage in political posturing and shifting the blame onto others.
The lack of proactive measures and decisive action on the part of Governor Lawal have only served to exacerbate the security challenges facing Zamfara. His failure to take responsibility and provide strong leadership in the face of these threats has left the people of Zamfara feeling vulnerable and abandoned. His attitude has significantly hindered the military’s counter-terrorism efforts, putting the lives and safety of citizens at risk not only in Zamfara but also in neighboring states. While other governors in affected states are actively supporting the nation’s troops and implementing initiatives to combat insecurity, Governor Lawal appears more focused on blaming his predecessor, Bello Matawalle and criticising the federal government.
Lawal’s constant complaints against the presidency and federal security agencies have diverted attention from pressing security and governance issues in Zamfara. His remarks are often riddled with inaccuracies and a blatant disregard for the truth, further exacerbating the security challenges in Zamfara. In just one year, Governor Lawal has earned a reputation for leading the worst administration in Zamfara’s history, lacking the necessary courage and political will to confront the state’s security crises. Despite claiming concern for the challenges facing Zamfara citizens, Lawal has failed to take concrete steps to address youth unemployment, insecurity and poverty in the state.
Zamfara is currently led by a governor ill-prepared and ill-equipped to lead, driven by personal ambition for power and wealth rather than a genuine commitment to improving the lives of its people. It appears that till the end of his tenure, Lawal cannot rise to the occasion and demonstrate true leadership in addressing the security challenges facing Zamfara. He cannot move beyond mere words and take concrete actions to ensure the safety and security of all residents of the state. This failure has only further escalates the security crisis and put more lives at risk.
Lawal’s predecessor, Matawalle, now serving as a federal Minister of State for Defence, has been hailed for his innovative approach to engaging local communities in finding solutions to the state’s security issues. His deep understanding of the grassroots dynamics and culture of the state has earned him the moniker of a ‘grassroots innovator’.
Matawalle’s approach, which incorporates a bottom-up feedback loop and involves stakeholders at the local level, has proven to be effective in identifying and addressing the specific security and safety needs of communities in Zamfara. Matawalle has recognised the vital role that grassroots play in enhancing community safety and security. He understands that the affected communities are naturally and legitimately the first responders to crises and are best positioned to identify the most pressing security issues facing their communities. By partnering with the grassroots, Matawalle has gained valuable insights into the local context and ensured that their interventions are truly responsive to community needs.
One key advantage of working with the grassroots as Matawalle has shown is the ability to establish community ownership over security. When communities are actively involved in the design and implementation of security solutions, they are more likely to embrace and sustain these initiatives in the long run. Additionally, grassroots serve as bridges between government forces and the communities on the ground, providing valuable feedback and ensuring that interventions are tailored to local realities.
Matawalle believes that innovation in security does not always have to be synonymous with the use of force; it can also involve improving processes or policies to better meet the security needs of communities. The key to Matawalle’s successful security innovation lies in building trust, fostering resilience and maintaining open lines of communication between all stakeholders involved. By supporting grassroots organisations and empowering local communities, Matawalle aims to ensure that their solutions are truly impactful and sustainable in the long term.
In contrast, Governor Lawal, a relatively new player in the political arena, appears to lack the same level of insight and connection to the local communities that Matawalle possesses. This has led to disconnect between grassroots participation in security matters in areas of information sharing and government policies, hindering progress in addressing the security situation.
Matawalle’s experience and long-standing presence in the political scene have allowed him to build strong relationships with the local communities in his state. This connection has enabled him to effectively gauge the security challenges faced by the people and tailor his policies accordingly. His approach to security matters has been characterised by a high level of grassroots participation, with communities actively engaged in information sharing and the formulation of government initiatives. As a result, progress has been made in addressing the security situation in the state.
On the other hand, Governor Lawal’s lack of political experience and connection to the local communities has hindered his ability to effectively address security challenges in his state. His disconnect from the grassroots has resulted in a lack of community participation in security matters, leading to gaps in information sharing and ineffective government policies. This has ultimately hindered progress in addressing the security situation in the state, as the government is unable to adequately respond to the needs and concerns of the people.
Matawalle’s deep insight and connection to the local communities have played a significant role in addressing security challenges in Zamfara State. In contrast, Governor Lawal’s lack of experience and disconnect from the grassroots have impeded progress in addressing security issues. Matawalle’s approach in partnering with these organisations demonstrates the importance of involving communities in the security decision-making process. By empowering grassroots organisations and fostering community ownership over security initiatives, governments can enhance their ability to address security challenges effectively and sustainably.
The collaboration between grassroots organisations and government entities such as Matawalle’s innovative approach to security highlights the importance of local engagement in addressing complex challenges. By leveraging local knowledge, building community ownership and fostering partnerships between different stakeholders, innovators can create meaningful change that is truly responsive to the needs of the people they serve.
It is evident that a strong connection to the local communities is essential in effective governance, particularly in addressing security matters. As such, it is imperative for Governor Lawal to prioritise building relationships with his constituents in order to address pressing security issues and promote sustainable development. Ultimately, the success of safety and security initiatives relies on the active involvement and support of grassroots organisations, as they are essential partners in creating safe and secure communities.