From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau
Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State has expressed hope for more successes in the continued fights against banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling after Military change of baton in the state.
Governor Mohammed, after the resignation of the Military Chiefs, said they have paid to the nation’s proud and wishes them prosperous retirement living.
‘When I came up with the idea of introducing a genuine dialogue with the bandits, all the service Chiefs fully cooperated with me by suspending Military action on the bandits to pave way for the talks which yielded tremendously positive results’, Matawalle recalled.
‘Similarly, when we encounter recalcitrant bandits in our journey to peace, the Military Chiefs also keyed into our remodeled peace accord of ‘carrot and stick’ approach by employing both Kinetic and non-kinetic approach to peace process in the state which is also recording a lot of success in the state”, Matawalle further noted.
He also expresses his enthusiasm in working with the new Service Chiefs whom he said were carefully chosen not only to crush the lingering insecurity challenges but to restore confidence amongst the teeming fellow citizens of the country.
‘I am confident that the new service Chiefs are going to record even more successes as they are adjudged as very excellent officers with non-blemish records of service. We, in Zamfara State, wish to endorse this gallant decision of Mr President for ensuring that only the best are now tasked with replacing the former’ Governor Matawalle added.
He said that the situation in Zamfara State today calls for total support and cooperation and urged all and sundry to desist from demoralising Soldiers through the bad habit of dwarfing their efforts and hammering on their mistakes.
‘The fight against banditry and restoration of peace and harmony is a responsibility for all. The state Government wishes to assure the new Service Chiefs of its ever readiness to support them in the task of liberating the people from the shackles of banditry and associated crimes in the state and indeed, the region’ Matawalle promised.