Arewa Group Schools HURIWA Led by Comrade Onwubiko on True Activism, Recounts Gov Lawal Giant Strides in Zamfara
The Hope Arewa Development Initiative (HADI) finds itself compelled to sensitize the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) led by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko on the ongoing situation in Zamfara State. With great disappointment and concern, we observe HURIWA’s apparent deviation from its supposed core mandate as a human rights organization, instead choosing to engage in what can only be described as partisan politicking under the guise of advocacy.
Very quickly, the crux of the matter at hand revolves around allegations made by the current Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, against his predecessor and now Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. In a televised interview, Governor Lawal raised grave concerns about the state of affairs he inherited upon assuming office, including accusations of sponsorship of bandits and misappropriation of state funds. These are not trivial matters to be handled with kid’s gloves, as they strike at the heart of governance, security, and the welfare of the people of Zamfara State.
HURIWA’s response to these allegations is, frankly, puzzling and deeply troubling. Instead of calling for a thorough investigation into these serious claims – as one would expect from a genuine and world-class human rights organization – HURIWA has chosen to summarily dismiss them as “unsubstantiated” and “lacking merit.” To the good people of Zamfara and the Nigerians, this knee-jerk defense of a political figure raises serious questions about HURIWA’s true allegiances and motivations. Maybe today or tomorrow, the organization will do Nigerians good to tell their true motivations.
At this juncture, let us be clear: the issues at stake here are not mere political imbroglio, as HURIWA would have us believe. They are matters of life and death, of economic survival, and of the fundamental human rights of the citizens of Zamfara State. Way back to 29th May, 2023 when Governor Lawal assumed office, he inherited a state in crisis. The treasury was bankrupt, infrastructure was crumbling, and the business environment was hostile to growth and development. The education sector was in shambles, with dilapidated buildings unfit for learning. Civil servants had gone months without pay, and there was a staggering backlog of eight years worth of unpaid gratuities totalling N13 billion. Perhaps most disturbingly, the primary healthcare system was in such a state of disrepair that it could barely serve the needs of animals, let alone human beings. Alas! HURIWA who perhaps has not set foot in Zamfara wouldn’t know the gravity of this rot.
These are not abstract concerns. They represent real, tangible violations of the rights of Zamfara’s citizens – the right to education, to healthcare, to economic security, and to live free from the constant threat of banditry and violence. It is precisely these issues that should be at the forefront of any human rights organization’s agenda. Yet, HURIWA seems more concerned with defending the reputation of a single political figure than addressing the systemic failures that have brought untold suffering to millions.
HURIWA’s dismissal of Governor Lawal’s good governance efforts in tackling these critical issues is equally baffling. Since taking office, Governor Lawal has taken critical steps to tackle the myriad challenges facing Zamfara State. He has declared a state of emergency in education, recognizing the critical importance of learning in breaking the cycle of poverty, violence and insecurity. The construction of modern Almajiri schools in all three senatorial districts is a significant step towards providing education to some of the most vulnerable members of society. Renovation of the College of Agriculture and Technology in Bakura, the College structures which became obsolete and unconducive two decades after the re-establishment. This exercise captured renovation and equipping the Admin Block, Agricultural Laboratory, Lecture Hall, and Female and Male Hostels. Construction of a laundry facility and rehabilitation of the college’s water system.
If HURIWA will close their eyes and pretend to be sleeping, we need to send them a signal, especially on security, Governor Lawal has not been idle. The recruitment of over 4,000 civilians for a joint task force demonstrates a commitment to community-based solutions to the pressing issue of insecurity. This approach recognizes that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved with the full participation and buy-in of local communities. Put differently, the Governor has donated brand new operational vehicles to all Police Divisional headquarters and their substations as a way of prioritizing the safety of lives and properties. Day and night, Governor Lawal is there supporting security agencies to put an end to insecurity. The public is aware of the landmarks’ successes recorded in recent days. The fight against bandits in Zamfara is a phase and it shall be crushed.
In furtherance to this, the initiation of a 108km road construction project from Gusau, the state capital, is a clear indication of Governor Lawal’s dedication to improving infrastructure and connectivity within the state. Such projects are essential for economic development, facilitating trade, and improving access to essential services for rural communities.
Perhaps most significantly, Governor Lawal has taken the bold step of banning illegal mining activities in Zamfara State. This decision, which HURIWA conveniently fails to mention, directly addresses one of the root causes of insecurity in the region. By acknowledging the connection between illegal mining and banditry, and pledging to collaborate with the federal government to tackle high-profile bandits, Governor Lawal is demonstrating a clear-eyed understanding of the complex challenges facing his state.
It is in light of these concrete actions that HURIWA’s critique of Governor Lawal rings particularly hollow. To accuse the governor of being “preoccupied with discrediting Matawalle” while the state suffers is not only disingenuous but flies in the face of observable reality. Governor Lawal has shown through his actions that he is focused on addressing the pressing issues facing Zamfara State, from insecurity to economic instability and educational development.
However, HURIWA’s attempt to deflect attention by highlighting an alleged approval of N19 billion for kitchen equipment for the office of the First Lady is a transparent attempt at misdirection. If such an approval has indeed been made, it certainly warrants scrutiny and explanation. However, to use this single allegation as a means to dismiss the entirety of Governor Lawal’s efforts and the validity of his concerns about his predecessor’s tenure is intellectually dishonest and unbecoming of an organization that claims to champion human rights.
Furthermore, HURIWA’s lavish praise of Matawalle’s achievements during his tenure as governor raises serious questions about the organization’s objectivity and independence. While it is true that every administration will have its successes and failures, the role of a human rights organization is not to act as a cheerleader for political figures but to hold all public officials accountable, regardless of their party affiliation or current position.
The assertion that Matawalle “remains loyal to President Bola Tinubu and has the full trust of the administration” is particularly troubling. Since when has loyalty to a sitting president become a metric by which human rights organizations judge public officials? This statement alone suggests that HURIWA has strayed far from its mandate and is instead operating as a political public relations firm.
To this end, the Hope Arewa Development Initiative calls on HURIWA to reconsider its position and approach. A true human rights organization should investigate all allegations of human rights abuses, corruption and bad governance thoroughly and impartially, who makes the accusations or who stands accused. HURIWA should resist the temptation to become entangled in partisan politics, maintaining independence and credibility by holding all parties to the same high standards. We urge the organization to return to its roots as a defender of human rights and to take up the real challenges facing the people of Zamfara State and the wider North. These include the ongoing security crisis, the need for economic development and job creation, the imperative of improving education and healthcare, and the critical importance of ensuring transparent and accountable governance at all levels.
We also call on other civil society organizations, media outlets, and concerned citizens to remain vigilant to misleading insinuations championed by HURIWA. The challenges facing Zamfara State and the entire nation are too great, and the stakes too high, for us to allow ourselves to be distracted by political theatre or misguided loyalty.
In addendum, the Hope Arewa Development Initiative recognizes the enormity of the task before Governor Lawal and we acknowledge that changes will not come overnight. However, with the concrete steps he has taken thus far and his apparent commitment to tackling the root causes of insecurity, poverty, and economic stability among others we state is set to reach his climax. We want to state unequivocally that we will not hesitate to speak out against those who would seek to obstruct progress or to use the language of human rights as a cover for partisan politicking. The challenges facing our region and our nation are too great, and the aspirations of our people are too important, for us to remain silent in the face of such behaviour.
Dr. Adamu Mohammed
National Coordinator,
Hope Arewa Development Initiative (HADI)
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