A socio-political group, Zamfara Elders Support for Peace and Development, has strongly condemned recent comments made by Governor Dauda Lawal against his predecessor and current Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Aliyu Adamu Kaura, and made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Tuesday, the group described Governor Lawal’s outbursts as “baseless, diversionary, and unbecoming of a leader tasked with navigating Zamfara State through its many pressing challenges.”
The elders accused Governor Lawal of shifting blame instead of confronting the state’s widespread issues, including escalating insecurity, worsening poverty levels, and deteriorating public infrastructure.
According to the group, the current administration has failed to make meaningful impact in sectors critical to the welfare of Zamfara citizens. They lamented the near-collapse of the educational system, citing that over 65% of primary schools in 12 local governments have been abandoned, with several buildings left dilapidated and unfit for use.
“Zamfara recorded its worst performances in national exams under Governor Lawal’s watch,” the statement read.
“UNICEF and UBEC have expressed serious concerns, yet the government continues to withdraw support from critical educational programs.”
Healthcare services and access to clean water were also highlighted as major areas of concern. The elders noted that the state capital and all 14 local governments are facing acute water shortages, while hospitals remain understaffed and poorly equipped.
The group further criticised the governor over the alleged mismanagement of public resources. “Governor Lawal reportedly spent over N4 billion on vehicles for political appointees without legislative approval, while rural communities remain deprived of basic amenities such as roads, shelter, and healthcare,” the statement added.
Another source of concern was the state’s fire emergency response capability, with the group claiming only three functional firefighting vehicles remain out of the 14 inherited from Matawalle’s administration. “This recklessness endangers lives and property,” the group warned.
They also took a swipe at the governor’s political style, accusing him of fostering division and pursuing vendettas.
“Governor Lawal’s open enmity towards Matawalle has clouded his judgment. Surrounded by short-sighted aides, he is fast losing his image as a capable leader and becoming known more for his media appearances and blame games than actual governance,” the statement alleged.
The group condemned what they called the governor’s misplaced priorities, noting that he was seen attending a political function in Ibadan on the same day bandits reportedly attacked six Zamfara communities.
“We call on Governor Lawal to rise above petty politics and focus on delivering real governance. The people of Zamfara deserve better,” the statement concluded.
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