Former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has categorically denied the always claimed by Governor Dauda Lawal that he left only ₦4 million in the state treasury at the end of his tenure.
He stated this while addressing journalist in his hometown in Maradun Local government area of the state.
Dr Matawalle claimed that, he left ₦29 billion in the state government’s coffers when he handed over.
According to him, they have all records to prove that and wonder why Governor Lawal is always moving round to media organisations to accused him on what he left at the treasury instead to focus in solving the challenges affecting the state.
He also said he had completed all the work required for the NG-CARES program to receive 100 billion naira, explaining that, following he lost election the funds were withheld and were only released after the new government came in.
“That’s why ₦49 billion was released to Governor Dauda Lawal later. Kabiru Gayari, is here and he can testify and anyone can ask him,” he said.
According to Matawalle, the NG-CARES project was initially designed to support every indigene of Zamfara with ₦250,000 monthly for eight months.
He alleged that it was only after he left office that Governor Dauda Lawal started receiving the ₦49 billion out of the fund.
He also claimed that, following the removal of fuel subsidy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦20 billion monthly for governors, including Governor Dauda Lawal, which is why none of them have spoken out against Fuel subsidy removal.
“If you calculate ₦20 billion for 12 months, how much is that? Even throughout my four years as governor, I never received such funds,” he lamented.
Matawalle insisted that during his tenure, he never failed to pay salaries of civil servants and teachers, and even went further to employ more teachers and workers. He also renovated the Government House and carried out various development projects
“I built government lodges in Kaduna and Abuja, but now they’ve been rented out,” he alleged.
“Yet, every time, Governor Dauda comes out to complain that I did nothing while in office.”
He also accused the the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal for neglecting the ongoing ruga settlement project in Maradun Local Government Area, simply because it is his hometown.
“Houses have been built, electricity extended to the area, but because it’s in Maradun, the governor has abandoned it,” he claimed.
Speaking further, he said, “there’s nothing for me and Abdulaziz Yari except to thank God because we have done what the people wanted, and we will continue to do what the people desire to ensure they are well served.”
“As you all know, I served as governor and now as minister, even if I don’t become governor again, God has protected my dignity.”
“I have my legacy as a former governor and now as a minister — and nothing can erase that.”
He said his only desire now is to see that President Tinubu is re-elected for a second term.
“Today, everything happening, Mr. President is doing it for me — he treats me like his own son. My only need now is to remain close to the President so I can bring benefits to the people.”
COV/AMINU DALHATU.
