By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Government of Zamfara State, North West Nigeria has ordered all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the state to immediately vacate, accusing them of engaging in illegal activities heightening security concerns in the state.
The government while alleging that the NGOs are running in contravention of existing laws in Zamfara State battling insurgency and arm bandits accused them of not having proper operational documents.
“Majority of these illegal NGOs have not registered with the state in line with the laid down rules and regulations of government”, the government said on Tuesday in a statement signed by the state commissioner of Security and Home Affairs DIG rtd Ibrahim Mamman Tsafe.
The statement continued, “Some of them have also been found to be engaging in activities fueling insecurity in the state and its neighbourhood. Henceforth, the government orders all NGOs in the state to pack their belongings and leave the state immediately.
“Ministries and Departments of government have been ordered to stop any further relationships with any NGO, as punitive measures will be taken against any MDAs found having any relationships with such NGOs”
“Security Agencies in the state are by this announcement directed to be vigilante to the NGOs. But Security Agencies are hereby directed to investigate and prosecute any NGO operating in the state without due clearance from designated authorities. Results of such prosecutions to be forwarded to this Ministry for records please.”
Governor of the state, Bello Mohammed Matawalle also approved the termination of appointment of Aliyu Tukur of the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning as Commissioner and member of the State Executive Council, following the confirmation of his involvement in acts capable of tarnishing the image of the Government of Zamfara state according to the Secretary to the state government Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe in a separate statement.
