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I’ve done my best, Zamfara in God’s hands — Governor Lawal
I’ve done my best, Zamfara in God’s hands — Governor Lawal
The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, on Friday, said though his administration was doing its best to rid the state of banditry, the fate of the people ultimately lies in God’s hand.
Lawal said security forces had covered grounds in the past few days, especially with the killing of several terrorist leaders in his domain.
“We are doing the best that we can to make sure we secure the lives and properties of our people. We are doing the best that we can, but it’s in the hands of God.,” the Governor told State House Correspondents after closed-door talks with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
His comments came hours after armed bandits killed a police officer and kidnapped an expatriate and scores of travellers, including some workers of a construction firm in Zamfara on Thursday morning.
The incident occurred when the armed bandits blocked the ever-busy Tsafe-Funtua road for several hours, shooting at moving vehicles.
Zamfara State in northwest Nigeria has been facing severe security challenges, mainly due to the activities of bandits, who engage in mass abductions, killings, cattle rustling and attacks on villages.
In 2023 and 2024, the situation escalated, with several communities in rural areas being overrun by bandit groups, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The crisis has been compounded by the displacement of local populations and the inability of security forces to consistently secure the affected areas, experts say.
In response, the federal government recently launched several military operations, including air and ground offensives, to target bandit hideouts, but these efforts have yielded mixed results. Despite some successes, the bandits continue to regroup and launch counterattacks.
In his chat with journalists, Governor Lawal said, “The reality is that the insecurity in Zamfara State has existed for the past 12 years, and as a responsible government, we are tackling it head-on.
“We are doing the best that we can to ensure the lives and properties of our people. It’s an ongoing process and will continue until we end this banditry issue in Zamfara and, invariably, Nigeria as a nation.”
The Governor, who declined to list specific measures by his administration, argued that “the security situation is not something I can discuss on camera. But all I can say is, we are doing our best to make sure we handle the situation.”
He noted that the efforts have yielded some results, including killing some major bandit leaders.
Asked how soon Zamfara residents should expect calm restored to the state, Lawal replied, “I’m praying that even by tomorrow, they (Zamfara residents) can go to sleep. We’re doing the best that we can, but it’s in the hands of God.”
He also told journalists that all governors are determined to keep the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party, in one piece despite the ongoing turmoil.
Culled: Punch
By Divine Perezide
WARRI — The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has backed the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, over his recent assertion that Ijaws occupy six local government areas in Delta State, describing the claim as factual and widely acknowledged.
Guwor had made the statement during a gathering in Bomadi where Ijaw leaders hosted Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. The event also featured the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori as preferred candidates for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections by Ijaw stakeholders in the state.
The Speaker, while presiding over the adoption of a motion moved by Julius Pondi and seconded by Preyor Oboro, noted that the political stance reflected the position of Ijaws residing across six local government areas in Delta.
However, the comment has drawn criticism from sections of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, who challenged the accuracy of the claim and described it as misleading.
Reacting to the controversy, the IYC Western Zone dismissed the criticisms, insisting that the Speaker’s statement aligns with demographic and political realities.
Speaking in Warri, the IYC Western Zone Information Officer, Tare Magbei, said the backlash was driven by political opposition and ethnic bias.
Magbei maintained that Ijaws have undisputed dominance in Burutu and Bomadi Local Government Areas, while constituting the majority population in Patani, Warri South-West, and Warri North, and maintaining a minority presence in Warri South.
He described attempts to discredit the Speaker as “deliberate efforts to misinform the public,” adding that the issue has been unnecessarily politicised due to the approaching election cycle.
According to him, “what the Speaker stated reflects the obvious realities known to residents of Delta State,” noting that stirring ethnic sentiments for political gain could undermine peaceful coexistence in the region.
The IYC spokesman further warned that disputing such claims could heighten tensions, emphasizing that the Ijaw people have historically demonstrated restraint and commitment to peaceful relations with neighbouring ethnic groups.
He urged political actors to prioritise issue-based engagement rather than what he termed campaigns of calumny targeted at public office holders, including the Speaker.
The development underscores growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as stakeholders across Delta State continue to position themselves within the broader dynamics of ethnic representation and electoral strategy.
By Favour Bibaikefie
BOMADI, DELTA STATE — Prominent Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers and political stakeholders have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for second terms in office, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced at a large gathering held in Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area, during a grand reception organised by Delta Ijaw political leaders in honour of the governor.
The event drew thousands of Ijaw indigenes and key figures from across the Niger Delta, including the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Brutu Otuaro, who led the mobilisation efforts alongside other stakeholders.
The motion for endorsement was formally moved by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, and seconded by Delta State lawmaker Hon. Kenneth Oboro. It was subsequently ratified through a voice vote presided over by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Also present was Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who commended the Delta State administration for its development-focused approach in Ijaw communities.
In recognition of his contributions, traditional rulers under the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum conferred the chieftaincy title “Izonebimiewei”—meaning “the man who does good for the Ijaw people”—on Governor Oborevwori. The monarchs described the honour as a reflection of his infrastructural strides and commitment to the welfare of riverine communities.
Among the royal fathers in attendance were the Ebenana-owei of Ogulagha Kingdom, HRM Joseph Timiyan; Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Pere Kalanama VIII; and several other paramount rulers across Ijaw kingdoms in Delta State.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development. He noted that significant investments—running into hundreds of billions of naira—had already been made in infrastructure and social development across Ijaw areas.
According to him, the continued support of the Ijaw people would be reciprocated through further projects and political inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Otuaro urged the people to sustain their support for the current administration at the federal level, citing ongoing development initiatives in the Niger Delta. He pointed to key interventions, including large-scale infrastructure projects and strengthened institutional support for regional agencies.
He emphasized that continuity in leadership would consolidate the gains recorded so far, urging members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, explained that the reception was convened as a demonstration of appreciation for the governor’s developmental achievements in Ijaw communities.
The event also witnessed a strong turnout of supporters aligned with the pro-Tinubu campaign structure, further underscoring the growing political momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The endorsement marks a significant political statement from the Ijaw bloc in Delta State, signalling early alignment and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
By Charity Ebi
Hon. has formally assumed office as the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, pledging dedication to service and community development.
Speaking following his inauguration, Negerese described his new role as a call to responsibility and commitment rather than a mere title. He assured residents that his leadership would focus on delivering impact and fostering hope across the local government.
He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine grace and acknowledged the support of key political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, , and his deputy, . He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , for his encouragement and backing.
The newly inaugurated coordinator further thanked the leadership of the City Boy Movement, particularly the State Director-General, , as well as members of the organisation for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Negerese paid special tribute to the people of Ekeremor, including youths, women, and elders, for their support and participation in the process leading to his emergence.
He pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote development, empower residents, and strengthen unity within the area, expressing optimism about building a more vibrant and progressive Ekeremor under his coordination.