Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa, the Zamfara State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has made a bold promise to end banditry and insecurity in the state within two years if elected in 2027. This promise has raised eyebrows among the people of Zamfara State and beyond, with many questioning the feasibility of such a goal. Marafa's ambition to govern Zamfara State is well known, and he has secured the NDC ticket for the 2027 elections.
The insecurity crisis in Zamfara State is a complex issue that has been a challenge for the state and the country at large. The state has been plagued by banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality, which have resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property. Marafa's promise to end the crisis within two years has been met with skepticism, with many wondering what he intends to do differently from the current governor, Dauda Lawal, who has been working to address the issue.
One of the concerns is that the insecurity crisis in Zamfara State is not an isolated issue, but rather a regional problem that affects several states in the North-West. The International Crisis Group has documented the regional character of the problem, including the movement of armed groups across state boundaries. It is unclear how Marafa plans to deal with this wider regional dimension of the crisis and what strategy he has developed to tackle it.
Marafa's promise has also raised questions about the constitutional limitations of a state governor in addressing security issues. As a former senator, Marafa should be familiar with the constitutional provisions governing security, which vest the power to determine the operational use of the police and armed forces in the Inspector-General of Police and the President, respectively. It is unclear how Marafa intends to overcome these limitations and achieve his objective of ending banditry within two years.
The definition of "ending insecurity" is also a matter of debate. Does it mean zero attacks, zero kidnappings, and the elimination of every bandit camp, or a dramatic reduction in attacks and the restoration of security across the state? Without a clear definition, it is challenging for the electorate to evaluate Marafa's promise. Furthermore, the role of the governor as the Chief Security Officer of the state is often described as a paradox, as they are expected to take responsibility for security without having the constitutional powers required to control the institutions responsible for providing security.
Marafa's experience as a former senator should have guided him in understanding the limitations of a state governor in addressing security issues. Under Section 215 of the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is under the command of the Inspector-General of Police, and police officers deployed to a state operate under the Commissioner of Police. The Governor may give the Commissioner lawful directions concerning the maintenance of public safety and order, but the Commissioner has the discretion to obey or not obey him under the constitutional framework.
As the 2027 elections approach, Marafa's promise to end banditry and insecurity in Zamfara State within two years remains a topic of discussion. While some have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the goal, others have welcomed the promise as a bold move to address the state's security challenges. Ultimately, the electorate will have to evaluate Marafa's promise and decide whether he has a strategy to tackle the complex issue of insecurity in Zamfara State.
Key points
- Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa promises to end banditry and insecurity in Zamfara State within two years if elected governor in 2027.
- The insecurity crisis in Zamfara State is a regional problem that affects several states in the North-West.
- Marafa's promise has raised questions about the constitutional limitations of a state governor in addressing security issues.
