Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State has complained that the Federal Government is not assisting with security issues.
The Governor made the announcement while receiving a coalition of civil society organizations at his Maradun country home.
According to Governor Matawalle, the Federal Government has failed in its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of all citizens.
The Governor expressed his disgust over the loss of several lives in the state as well as the kidnapped victims.
Matawalle maintained that as a Governor who has no control over the military, police, and other security agencies, “I decided to implement arms for self defense.”
He bemoaned the fact that most military and security personnel, who were supposed to be of service to society with their wealth of knowledge, were forced to retire prematurely.
The Governor stated that if the federal government could raise the retirement age for doctors, university professors, and judges, it should consider doing the same for security personnel.
“That is why as a Governor who has no absolute control over the Army, Air force, police, and other security agencies, I asked the residents of the State to carry arms for self-defense.
“We had dialogue with the bandits but it did not work, that was why we decided to close markets, shutdown telecommunication networks and sales of petrol, yet all these did not work,” he lamented.
He advocated for the federal government to raise the retirement age for the army, police, air force, and other security agencies to 70 years, similar to those in the medical, academic, and other fields.
Mr. Adamu Kwartarkwashi, the group’s leader, stated that they would continue to support the Governor’s policies aimed at restoring peace in the state.
