December 07, (THEWILL) — A northern political elders’ group has condemned former Zamfara Central Senator Kabiru Marafa over his reported call for the United States to intervene militarily in Nigeria, describing the remark as irresponsible and a threat to national stability.
In a communiqué issued on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi, the group said Marafa’s statement was reckless, ridiculous, and unpatriotic, warning that such comments could inflame tensions in an already fragile security environment.
Its National Coordinator, Malam Yusuf Abubakar, stressed that no Nigerian—regardless of status or political affiliation—should make statements capable of undermining national unity.
“At a time when the country is consolidating efforts to address insecurity, such utterances are not only unhelpful but dangerous,” Abubakar said.
The elders urged northern governors and political leaders to prioritise coordinated measures to combat insecurity and poverty rather than exploiting the situation for political gain.
They also called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate Marafa, insisting his comments could embolden divisive elements.
The communiqué further urged security agencies to scrutinise certain politicians in Zamfara and Katsina accused of spreading misinformation likely to heighten public anxiety.
Backing the Federal Government’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations, the group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military, and other security agencies for intensified efforts in the North-West.
They also rejected calls for the removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, describing the agitation as politically motivated.
According to the elders, some critics were targeting Matawalle over personal grievances, including decisions taken during his tenure as Zamfara governor—such as the removal of an emir who conferred a title on bandit kingpin Ado Alero.
The group accused former APGA National Secretary Abdullahi Shinkafi of making unfounded allegations against Matawalle without evidence or legal justification.
It maintained that Matawalle continues to serve legitimately with presidential backing and has contributed to notable security successes, including the rescue of schoolgirls abducted in Maga, Kebbi State.
The elders urged the DSS and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to arrest Marafa and Shinkafi and seize their passports for allegedly promoting unrest.
They concluded by calling on traditional and religious leaders to intensify efforts toward fostering peace and unity across the country.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
