Zamfara Elders Carpet Governor Lawal for Prioritising Attacks to Development.
The Zamfara Elders for Peace and Development has criticized Governor Dauda Lawal’s performance and accusing him of prioritizing political attacks over addressing critical issues facing the state.
The group responded to recent televised comments by Governor Lawal, deeming them baseless and a distraction from his administration’s failures.
Hon. Aliyu Adamu Kaura, Chairman of the group, asserted that Governor Lawal has abandoned his campaign promises, leaving Zamfara grappling with escalating insecurity, deepening poverty, and a severe lack of infrastructure.
He criticized the governor for neglecting rural development, pursuing “white elephant” projects, and prioritizing political patronage over the needs of citizens.
A key focus of the group’s criticism was the deteriorating state of education. They reported that over 65% of primary schools across 12 local government areas are now abandoned and in disrepair, citing concerns raised by UNICEF and a failure to secure funding from UBEC. The group also highlighted a significant decline in exam performance under the current administration, with Zamfara reaching its worst-ever results in NECO and WAEC examinations.
Beyond education, the elders decried widespread water scarcity affecting the state capital and all 14 local governments. They also pointed to a crumbling fire service, reduced from 14 functional vehicles inherited from the previous administration to just three. They alleged the governor abandoned serviceable fire trucks purchased by his predecessor, ostensibly due to envy.
The group further accused the governor of mismanagement, alleging over N4 billion was spent on vehicles for political appointees without state assembly approval while basic services remain lacking. They also criticized the reliance on non-state residents for administrative roles and the persistent salary issues faced by civil servants, many of whom earn less than 7,000 naira.
The Elders accused Governor Lawal of engaging in a politically motivated vendetta against his predecessor, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, arguing that this animosity is clouding his judgment and hindering effective governance. They characterized his leadership as weak and divisive, damaging the state’s political cohesion.
Finally, the group condemned the governor’s perceived indifference to the ongoing security crisis, citing reports of a bandit attack and kidnappings occurring on the same day he was seen attending social events out of state. They concluded that a leader who prioritizes self-promotion over protecting citizens does not deserve public recognition.
