Governor Dauda Lawal restated his administration’s steadfast stance on Friday, saying that they will not hold talks with bandits in Zamfara.
As the guest of honour at the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ weekly preaching session, Governor Lawal had the chance to emphasise the value of self-control and candour among religious leaders.
The weekly preaching session has been a long-standing custom in the state, according to a statement released by Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor’s spokeswoman.
The Governor, he continued, urged leaders from all walks of life to maintain integrity in their interactions and to be steadfast in their prayers for a more tranquil Zamfara State.
The statement said: “Governor Dauda Lawal, during his remarks at the weekly preaching programme in Gusau, elaborated on the negative impact of negotiating with bandits, stressing that it only encourages the hoodlums and creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for law-abiding citizens.
“He emphasised the need to acknowledge the reality that the criminals have proven themselves untrustworthy in past dialogues.
“He said that continuing to negotiate with them will not produce any favourable results.
“It is time to reassess our approach and consider more forceful tactics to handle the matter decisively.
“Governor Lawal further urged traditional and religious leaders to always align with the truth, to voice out the truth no matter who is involved.
“He tasked political leaders and citizens to prioritise the state’s security over politics, emphasising that the peace and stability of Zamfara is non-negotiable.”
“Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Zamfara State Zakat and Waqaf, Sheikh Ahmad Umar Kanoma, presented a lecture on the significance of dialogue, outlining the prerequisites of genuine dialogue in Islam and circumstances that render engaging in dialogue null and void.”