By Bello Hamza, Abuja
The Zamfara State Government on Wednesday, said the State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is suffering from crass ignorance on the issue of the Security Trust Fund.
The Zamfara APC accused the State Government of planning to open a 20 Billion Naira security fund which the governor singlehandedly ‘craftily drafted’ without taking the Legislative or the Judicial arms along.
The State Government in a statement issued in Gusau, by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the Zamfara APC has lost touch with reality, peddling sly innuendos without enough thought and knowledge of the notion of the Security Trust Fund.
He further added that the State chapter of the APC should be buried in shame for the mess created by the past Administration, especially in the area of security.
The Statement read in parts “The Zamfara APC bearing the emblem of a lost soul is uninterested in any idea that is aimed at a full-blown rescue mission. How would the architect of banditry sit back and watch a serious Chief Executive crushing what it created? We expect the APC to continue to cry foul while witnessing giant strides in all sectors.
“The purpose of the Security Trust Fund is to help the State have a sustainable funding mechanism to tackle insecurity. It would help the Government to solicit funds within and outside the State, including private organizations and individuals.
“Relevant authorities, both the State Legislature and Judiciary were fully involved and engaged in developing the Security Trust Fund.
“A board would be constituted to decide on what to do with the funds, no interference from the State Governor.
“The Board shall consist of an Executive Chairman, who shall be a person of impeccable character with security background and experience, whose appointment shall be ratified by the House of Assembly.
“Two members would be appointed from the private sector to represent the business and financial community: A retired Senior Security Officer from the State; Five members appointed from the Public Service of the State not below the rank of Permanent Secretary, to represent: Ministry of Justice; Ministry responsible for Internal Security; Ministry of Finance; Ministry for Local Government Affairs and the Director General, Bureau for Public Procurement.
“Also, the board would have a representative from each of the following security agencies operating in the State; Nigerian Police Force; Armed Forces; Department of State Services; Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp; The Chairman of Zamfara State Traditional Council of Chiefs; and One representative of Religious Institution.
“The objectives of the Fund shall be to provide money for the acquisition and deployment of security equipment and such human, material and financial resources as shall be found necessary for the effective functioning of all Federal, State, Local Government and other security agencies operating in the State and part of the Fund shall be reserved for the retaining of security personnel.
“It is the height of ignorance for the Zamfara APC not to know that other APC States like Lagos, Ogun, Niger, Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi, and Kwara among others have established the Security Trust Fund.
“It is also worrisome, peddling such a fat lie that since the assumption of the Government, the Governor is yet to hold a security meeting. Zamfara APC is in severe pain, but such outright lies will not solve its internal wranglings. Presiding over the security council was one of the earliest activities by Governor Dauda Lawal. On the 31st of May, 2023 he had the maiden security meeting with the Security Chiefs at the Council Chambers, Government House.
“It is on the record that on the 24th of July, 2023 the Executive Governor presided over another Security Council meeting at the Council Chambers. Similarly, on the 27th of July, 2023 the Executive Governor had a meeting with the State Commissioner of Police and all Divisional Police Officers.
“Furthermore, it was in his effort to correct the negativities created by the APC-led past administration that the Governor visited Defence Headquarters on the 13th of July, 2023 where he had separate meetings with the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja. On the same day, he went to the newly appointed National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for another meeting to brainstorm on the Zamfara security issues.
“The Statement by the Zamfara APC is an unsubstantial distraction filled with innuendos and dishonesty. We will remain resolute in our resolve to rescue and rebuild Zamfara State.”1966
