The people of Zamfara State deserve a government that feels their pain, understands their fears and treats the security of their lives as its highest priority.
As a citizen of Zamfara State and the State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), I watched with great disappointment the reported public celebration involving the Deputy Governor of the state at a time when our people are going through one of the most difficult security periods in our recent history.
For almost four hours, I personally reflected on what I saw and asked myself a simple question:
How can government officials celebrate as though everything is normal when families across Zamfara are living in fear?
This is not about denying anyone the right to celebrate. It is about leadership, timing and empathy.
When citizens are being kidnapped, communities are under threat and families are desperately waiting for their loved ones to return home, government must first demonstrate that it understands their pain.
WHERE IS THE SENSE OF URGENCY?
We are particularly concerned about the reported abduction of the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area and the Managing Director of the Zamfara State Water Board.
These are public officials, but more importantly, they are human beings.
They have families.
They have children.
They have parents, relatives and friends who are waiting and praying for their safe return.
Their families should not be left wondering whether their loved ones are alive, where they are being held or what is being done to secure their release.
The same concern applies to every innocent Zamfara citizen currently in captivity.
Every abducted person is somebody's father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother or sister.
The government must never become so accustomed to insecurity that kidnapping becomes another statistic.
WE CANNOT PRETEND THAT ALL IS WELL
A government cannot tell its people that everything is fine when communities know that everything is not fine.
Our people know what they are experiencing.
Farmers know.
Teachers know.
Traders know.
Transporters know.
Parents know.
Traditional rulers know.
Religious leaders know.
And the families of kidnapped citizens certainly know.
If the government is facing challenges in dealing with the security situation, tell the people the truth.
If more support is required from the Federal Government, tell the people.
If there are security operations underway, reassure the people.
If there are limitations preventing government from achieving the desired results, explain them to the people.
The people are mature enough to understand difficulties when their government communicates honestly with them.
What they cannot understand is silence in the face of suffering and celebration in the face of tragedy.
SECURITY FIRST — POLITICS LATER
Let me make this very clear:
Security is not negotiable.
Before roads.
Before political appointments.
Before ceremonies.
Before rallies.
Before campaign promises.
Before political calculations.
The first responsibility of government is to protect lives and property.
What is the value of infrastructure if citizens cannot safely travel to use it?
What is the value of agricultural programmes if farmers are afraid to enter their farms?
What is the value of schools if parents are afraid to send their children?
What is the value of economic empowerment if businesses cannot operate safely?
Development cannot flourish where fear has become the daily reality.
ZAMFARA PEOPLE ARE WATCHING
To those in government, we want to make one thing clear:
The people are watching.
They are watching how you respond to insecurity.
They are watching how you treat victims.
They are watching whether you visit affected communities.
They are watching whether you stand with families whose loved ones have been abducted.
They are watching whether government officials show empathy when ordinary citizens are suffering.
And as the 2027 elections approach, the people will remember.
They will remember the promises.
They will remember the failures.
They will remember the moments when government stood with them—and the moments when they felt abandoned.
Nobody should underestimate the intelligence of the Zamfara voter.
OUR PEOPLE MUST THINK BEYOND POLITICAL SLOGANS
I therefore urge the people of Zamfara State to prepare themselves for a serious conversation about the future of our state.
When the time comes to vote, let us ask ourselves important questions:
Who can keep our communities safe?
Who will protect our farmers?
Who will stand with victims of kidnapping and banditry?
Who will listen to ordinary citizens?
Who will tell us the truth, even when that truth is uncomfortable?
Who has the courage, competence and compassion to lead Zamfara?
Our people must not allow temporary political benefits to determine decisions that will affect the future of an entire generation.
A MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNMENT
This is not a declaration of war against the Zamfara State Government.
It is a wake-up call.
We want the government to succeed because when government succeeds, Zamfara succeeds.
But we will not remain silent simply because we are political opponents.
Our loyalty is first to the people of Zamfara State.
We will continue to speak.
We will continue to ask questions.
We will continue to demand accountability.
We will continue to highlight the suffering of our people.
And we will continue to remind those in power that public office is a responsibility, not a privilege to be enjoyed while the people suffer.
The government should urgently update the people on the security situation and demonstrate what concrete steps are being taken to secure the release of all abducted citizens.
Zamfara does not need political theatre. Zamfara needs security, compassion and leadership.
The people are tired of fear.
The people are tired of uncertainty.
The people deserve to sleep with both eyes closed.
We are watching.
We are speaking.
And we will not stop speaking for the people of Zamfara.
2027 is approaching, but before politics comes the responsibility to protect human lives.
ZAMFARA FIRST.
Signed:
Hon. Kabiru Garba
State Chairman
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Zamfara State Chapter
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