Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, has described Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, as a “mere spectator” after the Governor “openly admitted that he knows the exact locations of bandit leaders but is incapacitated to act”.
Lawal said, he is unable to “act” against banditry in the Northwestern State “because he lacks control over security agencies”.
The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) fumed at how Nigeria is being run, asking, how can a “federating unit lacks the coordination and support of the centre” in ensuring the “protection of life and property?”
Obi added, the situation in Zamfara has “reduced” Governor Lawal to the level where he just sits back and watches as his “citizens are left at the mercy of criminals”.
With the security situation in Zamfara State, Obi called for the security framework of Nigeria to be “restructured” where it will become “more responsive, decentralised, and effective”.
Via X, Obi reacted: “Prioritising Nigeria’s Security Remains Imperative
“I read with deep concern the lamentation of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, who openly admitted that he knows the exact locations of bandit leaders but is incapacitated to act because he lacks control over security agencies. This starkly reflects the systemic weakness of our security architecture.
“What kind of country are we running where a federating unit lacks the coordination and support of the centre in the most critical role of governance – the protection of life and property? When the Chief Security Officer of a state is reduced to a mere spectator, citizens are left at the mercy of criminals.
“I have repeatedly called for a restructuring of our security framework to make it more responsive, decentralised, and effective. The Federal Government must, as a matter of urgency, give Governor Dauda and other governors across the federation all the support they need to secure their states and safeguard the lives of Nigerians.
“The safety and security of our citizens must become our highest priority.
“A new Nigeria is POssible.”
Prioritising Nigeria’s Security Remains Imperative
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) September 6, 2025
I read with deep concern the lamentation of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, who openly admitted that he knows the exact locations of bandit leaders but is incapacitated to act because he lacks control over security… pic.twitter.com/YN3gdOexMJ
