The factional Zamfara State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, has accused Governor Dauda Lawal of financial mismanagement and reckless spending during a heated plenary session held on Thursday in the state capital.
Lawmakers expressed outrage over what they described as an "abuse of office" and misappropriation of public resources, particularly questioning how a medical facility initially built at approximately N1 billion now reportedly costs nine times more "just for mere painting."
Missing Federal Allocations
The Assembly demanded accountability for several federal disbursements, including N20 billion allegedly received by Zamfara State following the removal of petrol subsidy. According to the lawmakers, this sum was part of a N200 billion package distributed to state governors over a 10-month period.
Additionally, questions were raised about N49 billion reportedly released under the NG-CARES program, funds intended to empower youths, particularly those displaced by banditry. The lawmakers noted that this followed a N2.6 billion counter-funding initiative started by former Governor Bello Matawalle before his handover in 2023.
The Assembly has given the executive arm a two-week ultimatum to provide a comprehensive breakdown of how these funds were utilized.
Security Concerns Mount
Beyond financial scrutiny, lawmakers expressed deep frustration over the administration's handling of worsening insecurity across the state.
Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara, representing Talata Mafara South, delivered a scathing assessment, stating that "The governor was no longer in control over the disturbing situation of the state." He described the Gusau–Maru–Talata Mafara road as a "death trap" and criticized the government's apparent indifference toward victims of violence.
"Government hardly showed sympathy to victims," Kagara said, revealing a recent incident where "criminals collected N17 million from Morai people for the release of their kinsmen" but refused to release the captives despite receiving payment. "The captors collected the ransom and refused to release the victims while the state government remained mute," he added.
While acknowledging the governor's establishment of Community Protection Guards, lawmakers claimed these efforts were being undermined, with many guards being killed while the state allegedly turned a blind eye.
Call for No Confidence Vote
The session took a dramatic turn when Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur of Bakura constituency moved for a formal vote of no confidence against Governor Lawal. He accused the governor of failing to protect lives and property, fostering division among citizens, and "betraying the Islamic values of the state," beginning with alleged efforts to undermine the Council of Ulama.
Meanwhile, Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North) proposed a shift toward long-term investment in education, calling for the establishment of a free education policy and scholarship scheme for qualified Zamfara youths.
The governor's office has yet to respond to these allegations as of press time.
Stay updated with the latest developments by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
