The Northern Democratic Movement (NDM) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in Zamfara State, describing such demands as reckless and destabilising.
This comes in response to a recent appeal by the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), which had asked the President to impose emergency rule in the state over worsening insecurity.
In a statement issued yesterday, NDM Convener, Ibrahim Sule Sarki, said the call was “a dangerous overreach” that threatens to undermine Nigeria’s democracy and destabilise Zamfara.
He accused AYCF President, Yerima Shettima, of exploiting the insecurity crisis for personal relevance, alleging that Shettima had no real connection to Northern grassroots politics.
“This baseless demand is not only misguided but exposes Shettima’s desperation to remain politically relevant, despite his lack of grassroots legitimacy, moral authority, or practical solutions to the North’s challenges,” Sarki said.
He claimed that Shettima operates from Lagos and is far removed from the realities on the ground in the North, adding: “While genuine Northern leaders are working with communities and security agencies to tackle insecurity, Shettima issues reckless statements from the comfort of Lagos, thanks to the chicken change he receives from a low-ranking minister.”
Sarki further dismissed the AYCF as lacking structure, credibility, or membership in the North, alleging that the group exists solely as a platform for Shettima to seek political patronage.
“The call for a state of emergency is a calculated attempt to undermine the constitutional authority of Zamfara’s democratically elected government and create chaos for personal gain,” he said.
He warned that the people of Zamfara would no longer tolerate what he described as “charlatans” weaponising the region’s pain for political attention.
“The Zamfara government deserves support, not sabotage. Shettima represents no one but himself. True Northerners are focused on rebuilding, not chasing headlines,” he added.
The NDM reaffirmed its support for Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration and called on Nigerians to reject what it termed “fearmongering by political jobbers.”
