Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the governor of Zamfara State, has vowed that the alleged Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, thugs caught with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons during the party’s recent rally must be brought to justice.
Addressing journalists at his country home in Maradun Town, Maradun Local Government Area of the state on Friday, January 13, 2023, Matawalle said that only security operatives were empowered by law to carry AK-47 rifles or any other sophisticated weapon.
“I wonder what civilians could be doing with AK-47 rifles or other dangerous weapons if they are not terrorists”, he added.
According to him, the suspects would be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction as soon as thorough investigations are concluded.
The Governor explained that he had directed all security chiefs in the State to properly abide by the presidential order to shoot anybody caught with AK-47 rifle or any dangerous weapon during campaigns and election periods.
Commenting on the State’s Anti-Thuggery Committee, Governor Matawalle debunked the claim by the PDP that the committee was established to intimidate opposition parties in the State.
“After all, there are some APC supporters who were equally arrested for criminal offences and will also be prosecuted according to the law of the land irrespective of the fact that they are supporting the ruling party,” he said.
He cautioned all the political parties in the State to play politics according to the rules, pointing out that power only comes from God.
Governor Matawalle Reshuffles His Cabinet
Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the governor of Zamfara State, has approved the redeployment of some cabinet members.
According to a press statement issued to journalists in Gusau, the State capital by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Kakiru Balarabe, he said that Hon. Nasiru Zarumi Masama from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has moved to the Ministry of Education.
The statement noted that Hon. Zainab Lawal Gummi from the Ministry of Education moved to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs;
Hon. Lawal Abubakar from the Ministry of Social and Community Development now moves to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, while Hon. Muhammad Abubakar Gummi from office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) moved to the Ministry of Social and Community Development.
The statement further stated that the redeployment takes immediate effect.
Gov Matawalle Signs Death Penalty For Kidnappers, Bandits, Others
Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has signed into law a death penalty on anybody found guilty of banditry, cattle rustling, cultism, or serving as a bandits’ informant.
Matawalle announced this in a broadcast to the people of the state on Tuesday morning.
He said: “On the 28th of June this year, I assented to the bill on Prohibition and Punishment for Banditry, Cattle Rustling, Cultism, Kidnapping, and Other Incidental Offences, 2022.
“The law provides a legal instrument for prosecuting banditry-related offenders.
“Based on the new law, anyone found guilty of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, cultism, or serving as a bandits’ informant is subject to the death penalty.
Source: Daily Post
