Former Governor of Zamfara state, Sani Yerima Bakura has called on the Federal Government to find a way of dialoguing with the bandits that has worsen the security situation in the north-western part of the country. The former Sharia champion made this known while speaking with the BBC Hausa service today through the mirror-imaging of the bandits to the Niger Delta militants, saying if genuine dialogue is achieved, it may lessen the insecurity.
He noted that during his tenure as a Governor of Zamfara state, the state was only faced with menace of armed robbery unlike today, but with the commitment of security agencies, the problem was fizzled out.
The former Governor was optimistic that the problem was not above the Nigerian security agencies with proper support from government, contrary to what others believed it is above the capacity of our security agencies.
In his statement, “I’m advising the government to, first of all, find time to sit with these bandits, just like they sat with Niger Delta militants in the past. Because a majority of them are Nigerians, even though there are some foreigners among them. But Nigerians among them can be convinced, as the Niger Delta militants were convinced and empowered to stop. If that fails, then the government can use force on them wherever they are.”
The senator revealed that other dialogues entered into by some governors in the past with the bandits were not carried out in good faith and sincerity and therefore could not achieve the desired result.
Although he admitted that ignorance and poverty is the fulcrum that drives many into crime, but with the sincerity from visionary leader, the criminals can be engaged and subsequently empowered to change their ways.
The sharia Governor also criticised most political leaders of failing to lead people through embezzling billions for themselves instead of the people they claim to lead.
He appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with the new administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying he is optimistic that positive changes would come out of it.
He commended the president for starting on a right track to lead the country, especially through opening of the borders which he says would give many people reason to live.
