Don’t blame Tinubu for insecurity- PDP Chieftain, Dingyadi

A Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar Dingyadi, has cautioned against solely blaming the federal government under President Bola Tinubu for the escalating insecurity in the Northwest. He asserted that the regional governors should be held accountable for the worsening security situation.

Speaking at an event organized by the Northern Coalition Group for Transparency and Justice in Kaduna on Thursday, Dingyadi presented a paper titled “Insecurity, Politics, and Democracy in Nigeria: A Reflection of Yesterday and Our Challenge of Today.” In his address, he claimed that the actions and inactions of the governors, coupled with frequent bandit attacks, indicate a political agenda that jeopardizes the lives and properties of the people they swore to protect.

Dingyadi criticized some governors for turning into “travel agents,” constantly leaving the country and relying on Zoom meetings, while their states suffer from continuous attacks and kidnappings. He argued that the governors, especially in the Northwest, are not adequately supporting the federal government in its efforts to combat insecurity.

“These governors have traveled to the developed world, attending security meetings, yet fail to implement the solutions learned abroad back home to benefit their constituents,” he said. He emphasized that many capable and credible individuals within Nigeria could provide valuable advice and guidance on addressing the insecurity issues.

Dingyadi questioned the transparency of the security votes allocated to these states, noting the persistent insecurity despite significant financial resources. He criticized the governors for neglecting their responsibilities, citing examples where governors stay in Abuja for extended periods while their people suffer daily attacks.

He also pointed out that some governors avoid attending regional Northern Governors’ Forum meetings to discuss solutions, yet complain about inadequate support from the federal government. “Instead of blaming President Tinubu and the federal government, why don’t they set aside politics and work with the two defense ministers from the Northwest to find a lasting solution?” Dingyadi queried.

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Highlighting the situation in Zamfara state, he noted that political intrigues overshadow the real issue of fighting insecurity. He stressed that the well-being of Zamfara’s people is more important than politics, urging governors of Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states to remain in their states and address the security challenges.

He defended the efforts of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, when he was the governor of Zamfara. “During Matawalle’s tenure, bandits didn’t have the courage to attack local government headquarters. Now, they boldly attempt kidnappings in places like Zurmi and attack students in Maru and Tsafe.”

Dingyadi lamented that banditry has worsened, with numerous bandit enclaves in Zamfara state. He argued that failing to eradicate banditry in Zamfara would render efforts in neighboring states ineffective since a significant portion of the bandits are based there.

Despite his criticisms, he commended the military and armed forces leadership for their ongoing air and ground operations in Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, and parts of Kaduna states.