Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has endorsed the peace Initiatives of Governor Bello Muhammad (Matawallen Maradun) which he described as a “practical working solution” to the years old banditry in the state.
In a one day assessment visit to the State, which was also to commiserate with the people, the Speaker told a gathering of traditional rulers, victims of banditry and their relatives, reformed bandits and surrendered vigilantes that Governor Matawalle, a former Chairman, House Committee on Security “is a man of peace and
knows how to make peace”
He said that indeed with the peace and reconciliation efforts which led to the rescue of more than 100 abducted citizens unconditionally, the Governor is charting a new course in the state. According to him, “I commend your Governor for his success in so short a time”.
Gbajabiamila said the essence of his visit was to make an on-the-spot assessment as well as interface with the stakeholders away from simple media reports so that he and his colleagues will make informed decisions on whatever they will discuss regarding peace on Zamfara. He said the House will initiate an empowerment programme to pull the people out of poverty.
In his remarks, the National President of Miyetti Allah, the Ardon Zuru also commended the Government of Matawalle for the initiative which he said “has brought out surrendering bandits, some of whom have not seen the city for 16 years”. He promised that the peace accord will not be broken and that disarmament will begin immediately the rest of the captives are released.
Governor Matawalle thanked the Speaker for the concern shown by the Legislature on the plight of Zamfara and announced that the state Government has concluded plans to establish three Rugga settlements, one in each of the three Senatorial districts of the state.
“We in Zamfara have embraced the Rugga concept and will establish three of such in our three Senatorial districts”, the Governor said. Already 100 hecters of land each has been earmarked for this purpose where schools, clinics, water and grazing reserves will be provided. This will go a long way in resetting the Herdsmen and avert the return of banditry in the state. At the occasion, he announced the return of three more released captives to tally the number so far released at 112
