The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), on Thursday, called on President Bola Tinubu to ignore calls for a state of emergency in Zamfara State, describing the move as an unpatriotic and self-serving attempt by certain politicians to create political instability in a state recovering from years of armed banditry.
The group said that removing a duly elected governor, deputy governor, and state legislators under the guise of a state of emergency is illegal, unconstitutional, and undemocratic, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.
In a statement, the Executive Director of PAPSD, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, criticised those calling for a state of emergency, saying that the organization will never support any action that undermines the constitution and national security.
He said: “It is outrageous that some failed politicians in the state would sponsor youths and other protégés to clamour for a state of emergency in Zamfara State now that security and peace have significantly improved, paving the way for economic activities and massive infrastructural development that eluded the people for over 13 years of unprecedented armed banditry long before Governor Dauda Lawal assumed office in 2023.”
Shinkafi commended President Bola Tinubu and the military for their sustained offensive against criminal elements in Zamfara and the entire Northwest, aligning with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
He added, “Those who call for a state of emergency in an atmosphere of peace, unity, stability, security, and thriving economic activities in Zamfara State are enemies of the people on whom sovereignty resides. They should not only be ignored but also questioned by security agents to unravel their agenda and sponsors.
“More importantly, a state of emergency where a governor is suspended or removed along with his deputy and state legislators is illegal, unconstitutional, and undemocratic, as the Supreme Court has already ruled.
“There is no place for a sole administrator of a state in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which is the nation’s grundnorm.
“Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, provides the process for the removal of a governor or deputy governor from office, while Section 305 of the Constitution states the procedure for the declaration of a state of emergency. Zamfara State does not fall under any of these clear provisions of the nation’s Constitution for removing the governor or declaring a state of emergency there.
“No right-thinking citizen will take these political hirelings seriously, as they are agents provocateurs doing the bidding of their sponsors. Otherwise, President Tinubu would declare a state of emergency in the 36 states and Abuja, as there are terrorists, insurgents, militants, bandits, secessionists, kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal elements across the country.
“As a democrat who swore to uphold the Constitution, Mr. President will not contemplate the inappropriate declaration of a state of emergency.”
Shinkafi reaffirmed that Governor Dauda Lawal is providing strong, visionary, and progressive leadership, working in synergy with President Tinubu and military authorities to crush armed banditry in Zamfara State, which has restored public safety and order in many parts of the state.
He further said: “It is democracy at its finest. Zamfara citizens have suffered enough due to protracted armed bandit attacks, kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and displacement from ancestral homes. It is time to rebuild the state, boost economic activities, and provide the fruits of democracy that will assuage the people’s sufferings.”
He urged politicians in the state to eschew the politics of bitterness and contribute to transforming Zamfara State, adding, “Governor Lawal is not the issue; he should be allowed to do the job he was elected to do, devoid of undue distraction.
“Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development will continue to advocate for peace, unity, progress, sustainable democracy, and development in Nigeria and will never support any action that undermines the constitution, national security, and prosperity.”
