Zamfara: ‘We’ll not negotiate with bandits’ – Gov Lawal

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reiterated that his administration will not engage in any negotiation with bandits who are causing terror in the state.

The governor actively participated in a procession organised by the youths of Zamfara State, tagged ‘Walk for Peace’ to commemorate Democracy Day.

The procession started at the Government House and ended at Freedom Square, where thousands gathered to demonstrate solidarity with the government in its fight against banditry.

While delivering his remark, Governor Lawal expressed readiness to do everything possible to ensure the return of peace in all parts of Zamfara State.

The governor said: “I want to thank the coalition of youths for organising such an important walk for peace because we need such initiatives at this trying time.

“We have a long history of being a peaceful people and state. However, in just a few years, things have changed drastically. This calls for reflection to see where we went wrong and make the necessary adjustments. Security is everyone’s responsibility; we must cooperate and support the system.

“I always repeat this: you don’t negotiate from a position of weakness. We have seen how previous governments attempted the negotiation approach, which only emboldened the bandits. We have decided to rule out any negotiation with bandits for this and other reasons.

On this Democracy Day, and with Eid around the corner, I am pleased to announce that I have approved the payment of June’s salary to Zamfara State civil servants. In addition to the salary, we have fulfilled our promise of implementing the N30,000 minimum wage, as opposed to the usual N7,000.

“I will continue working to develop our state further and support our people. We have made significant progress in security, education, agriculture, health, infrastructure, and empowerment, among other areas.

“With this peace walk, we have sent a strong message to the enemies of the state that we are united as a people, and the government is resolute in its commitment to end the menace of banditry in Zamfara State.”