The Zamfara State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Bashar Gummi, has leveled serious accusations of financial impropriety against Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration. At the heart of the controversy is the N9 billion allocated for the renovation of the Yariman Bakura Teaching Hospital, Gusau. The Assembly members find this expenditure exorbitant, especially considering the hospital’s construction history. Originally initiated and partially built by former Governor Aliyu Shinkafi, the hospital was completed by former Governor Abdulaziz Abubakar’s administration for approximately N1 billion. The legislators question how mere renovations, essentially described as “painting,” could justify a cost nine times the original construction amount. This raises concerns about potential misappropriation of public funds and demands a thorough investigation into the allocation and expenditure of these resources.
Further fueling the Assembly’s concerns is the alleged lack of transparency surrounding the N200 billion received by the state government as part of the federal government’s oil subsidy removal palliative. Each state governor received N20 billion monthly for ten months, totaling N200 billion. The Zamfara Assembly is demanding clarification on how this substantial sum has been utilized, emphasizing the need for accountability and responsible financial management. The lack of clear information regarding the allocation and disbursement of these funds has deepened suspicions of misgovernance and prompted calls for greater transparency from the Lawal administration.
Adding to the mounting financial questions is the management of the N49 billion NG-CARES programme funds. This program, designed to empower 250 youths from each of the state’s 147 wards, particularly those displaced by banditry, was funded through a N2.6 billion counter-fund paid by former Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle. The Assembly is seeking a detailed account of how these funds have been used and whether they have indeed reached the intended beneficiaries. The concern is that the program’s objectives may not have been met due to potential mismanagement or misdirection of funds. This requires a comprehensive audit and investigation to ensure that the resources allocated for youth empowerment have been properly utilized and have genuinely benefited the targeted population.
Beyond financial matters, the Assembly has expressed grave concerns about the escalating insecurity in the state. They criticized Governor Lawal’s perceived inaction and called for immediate and decisive measures to address the rampant banditry and violence plaguing the region. Hon. Aliyu Kagara, representing Talata Mafara South, highlighted the perilous state of the Gusau/Maru/Talata Mafara road, emphasizing the constant threat of attacks. He further pointed to the government’s seeming indifference to the plight of victims, citing a recent incident where a N17 million ransom was paid for kidnapped individuals who were subsequently not released. This underscores the severity of the security situation and the urgent need for effective government intervention.
The legislators also expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the Community Protection Guards, an initiative they initially supported. They pointed out that members of the guard are being killed regularly by bandits, questioning the governor’s commitment to their safety and the overall security strategy. The apparent lack of support and protection for those tasked with community security further underscores the government’s perceived failure to address the escalating violence and protect its citizens.
Adding fuel to the fire, Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur of Bakura constituency called for a vote of no confidence against Governor Lawal, accusing him of betraying the state, particularly in matters of security. He further alleged that the governor has sown discord and distrust among the people while undermining Islamic tenets, specifically targeting the Ulama Council. These accusations reflect a deep sense of dissatisfaction with the governor’s leadership and raise serious questions about his governance style and priorities. The Assembly’s demands for accountability, transparency, and decisive action on security reflect a growing crisis of confidence in the Lawal administration. The governor’s response to these allegations and his actions in addressing the pressing concerns of the state will be crucial in determining the future political landscape of Zamfara.
