Zamfara: Ohanaeze youths implore ONSA to investigate leaked memo

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has called on the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to conduct extensive investigation into a leaked memo alleged to have emanated from Zamfara state government.

In the leaked memo, approval was said to have been made for high profile bandits as well as some influential personalities which the governor of the state Dauda Lawal described as ‘forged’ even as he said the persons behind it would be traced and punished.

However, addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the national president of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the memo bothered on national security and should not be swept under the carpet.

He chided Governor Lawal for his attacks on the minister of state for defence, Hon Bello Matawalle instead of facing the real issues on ground, saying it was regrettable that the governor failed to face governance after over one year in office.

“Ordinarily, we would not have disturbed ourselves with Zamfara state politics, but our concern is to the extent of its implications on national security.

“Nigerians are all witnesses to a certain memo that has been in circulation for days which was alleged to have emanated from Zamfara state government.

“It is not something that should just be swept under the carpet. The document must be critically probed and adequate action taken,” Okwu stated.

While advising Lawal to face governance, Okwu said, “For about 16 months in office, all he has done is to criticise his predecessor, leaving the job he was elected to do. He has proven to be an accidental governor, someone who was never prepared for governance.

“Governor Dauda Lawal has not recorded one tangible achievement in office after 16 months; rather, he has been hiding under the cover of blame to justify his ineptitude.

“This is a governor elected to govern Zamfara state but always cruising around Abuja and other major cities, leaving the people at the mercy of criminals.”

The Ohanaeze youth president however hailed the Nigerian Army for the feat recorded so far in the fight against banditry and terrorism.

“We once more commend the NSA, the Service Chiefs and the Defence Chiefs for their renewed vigour which is responsible for the feat achieved in the last few days.