The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Zamfara State chapter, has expressed deep concern over what it described as the worsening state of governance, insecurity and socio-economic challenges confronting residents of the state.
In a press statement signed by the Chairman of IPAC Zamfara State, Hon. Suleiman Salisu Bungudu, and the Secretary, Hon. Bashir Abdullahi, the council said the position followed an emergency meeting and extensive consultations with member political parties, community leaders and stakeholders across the state’s 14 local government areas.
The council noted that banditry, kidnappings and attacks on innocent communities have continued unabated, leading to loss of lives, displacement of families and destruction of livelihoods in several parts of the state.
It also expressed concern over the lack of adequate agricultural support, alleging that many farmers were yet to receive fertilizers, improved seedlings and other essential inputs despite the ongoing farming season, a development it said could threaten food production and food security.
IPAC further questioned the reported high cost of road construction and other capital projects in the state, calling for greater transparency, accountability and value for public funds.
According to the statement, the concentration of development projects within Gusau metropolis while many rural communities remain neglected has created widespread dissatisfaction among residents.
The council also lamented the persistent poverty, unemployment and economic hardship facing the people despite statutory allocations from the Federation Account and interventions from development partners.
It expressed concern over what it described as the underutilisation of qualified Zamfara professionals in key government appointments and development initiatives, despite the availability of competent indigenous human resources.
IPAC equally raised concerns over what it termed inadequate federal attention to Zamfara’s security and developmental challenges, urging the Federal Government to intensify security operations and accelerate development interventions in the state.
The council also expressed concern over what it described as inadequate federal attention to Zamfara State’s security and developmental challenges. It alleged that the challenges were unfolding despite the presence of influential political figures from the state at the national level.
According to the statement, the situation was particularly painful because it was occurring “under the watchful eyes” of Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, whom it described as one of the most influential senators in Northern Nigeria, without what it considered sufficient intervention to hold the state and federal authorities accountable.
IPAC also claimed that the appointment of the Minister of State for Defence from Zamfara had not translated into any noticeable improvement in the state’s security situation, urging the Federal Government to intensify security operations and fast-track development interventions.
The council further called on members of the National Assembly representing Zamfara State to be more proactive in advocating policies, projects and resources that would improve the security, welfare and living conditions of their constituents.
The council called on members of the National Assembly representing Zamfara State to intensify efforts in advocating policies, projects and resources that would improve the welfare, security and living conditions of their constituents.
IPAC also urged Governor Dauda Lawal to take urgent and practical measures to strengthen security, provide timely agricultural support, ensure equitable distribution of development projects across all local government areas and improve the welfare of the people.
The council appealed to traditional rulers, civil society organisations, development partners and residents to continue supporting peaceful coexistence while demanding transparency, accountability and good governance through lawful and democratic means.
IPAC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with governments at all levels, saying it would continue to advocate policies and actions that promote peace, justice, sustainable development and the overall well-being of the people of Zamfara State.