The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has paid him a commendation visit to Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle, expressing support for his anti-banditry campaign in the North-west Zone.
The NGF, led by its chairman and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, visited Matawalle at the Zamfara State Government Lodge, Maitama, Abuja on Tuesday, according to a statement by Matawalle’s media aide Zailani Bappa.
Other members of the NGF team are Governors Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto (in absentia).
Dateline Nigeria reports that the visit is coming few days after the Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Yekini Nabena accused the North West governor of aiding bandits.
Fayemi said the forum was completely in support of the efforts being made by Governor Bello Matawalle in the fight against banditry and other criminality in Zamfara State and the North-west at large.
“We note your single-mindedness in this pursuit and we also note the positive results being recorded by your approach in the fight against the menace of banditry in your state and the North-west as a whole”, Governor Fayemi noted.
“All the Nigerian Governors stand as one in your support at this hour in your total commitment to the liberation of our people from the activities of these criminals in your state and the region”, the Governors’ Forum chairman said.
“Whatever we can do to assist, we shall do it. We are here to encourage you to do more and we are solidly behind you”, Governor Fayemi told Matawalle.
“We pray that the year 2021 will be the year of peace and by the grace of God, peace we shall have”, the Forum Chairman prayed. He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the support he is rendering in the fight against banditry, especially the supply of Special forces to Zamfara State.
He also on behalf of the Governors, commiserate with Governor Matawalle over the lives lost in the state as a result of the activities of bandits in the state.
Responding, Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle said he was elated and encouraged by the visit which will serve as an elixir for his renewed efforts to do more so that his people can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“No amount of discouragement can deter me from doing what is right to salvage my people from the menace of banditry and other criminality”, Governor Matawalle assured.
He noted with utter dismay that after the sleepless nights he spent working hard to assist in the release of Kankara children, a spokesman of the All Progressives Congress accused him of harbouring bandits who terrorise his neighbours.
“I intended to sue in this case, but for the intervention of my brother, the Yobe State Governor Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, who assured me the officer will be reprimanded for such a callous statement. I am waiting to see the action that the APC will take since it has dissociated itself from the statement”, Governor Matawalle said.
He commended the Governors Forum for the encouragement and financial support to the victims of banditry in the state. He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the support he has always rendered to him in the fight against banditry in the state.
