Report by AMINU DALHATU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Zamfara State Government has strongly responded to recent comments made by the former governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, describing his statements as baseless, irresponsible, and inciting.
In a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Muhammad Abdullahi, said Matawalle’s outburst during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters from eight local government areas in Maradun Local government was a reflection of his continued bitterness over his 2023 election defeat.
According to the statement, Matawalle’s recent attack on Governor Dauda Lawal was a desperate attempt to remain politically relevant.
“The statement says “Instead of focusing on his role at the federal level, the former governor has chosen to dwell on unsubstantiated claims and divisive rhetoric.”
The government also refuted Matawalle’s claims regarding the state’s finances and operations during his tenure, stating that Governor Lawal inherited a debt-ridden and poorly managed state, with only N4 million left in the treasury.
One of the key issues addressed was the former governor’s boast that anyone, including children, could access the Government House during his time in office, the statement criticized this as a sign of disorder.
Saying that Governor Lawal has since restored order, seriousness, and professionalism to the conduct of governance in Zamfara State.
The statement emphases that, Governor Lawal’s government has accounted for every kobo and has focused on delivering tangible projects across all 14 LGAs of the state which include road construction, school rehabilitation, rural electrification, primary healthcare centres, and clean water initiatives.
“Matawalle sees governance as sharing money and painting offices while Governor Lawal sees it as investing in people and infrastructure,” it notes.
On Security and leadership Conduct, the state government expressed concern over Matawalle’s attempt to politicize the issue of insecurity, revealing that his administration was widely criticized for failing to contain rampant banditry.
The government also rejected allegations that non-indigenes were running the affairs of the state, insisting that appointments are based on competence, not ethnicity.
Governor Lawal, it said, remains committed to inclusive governance and urged citizens misled by Matawalle’s statements to rejoin efforts toward rebuilding the state.
The statement concludes by urging Dr Bello Matawalle to focus on his ministerial responsibilities instead of engaging in political theatrics, asserting that the people of Zamfara are aware of who is genuinely working for their welfare.
It says Governor Dauda Lawal has no time to trade insults and he has already retired Matawalle politically in 2023 and is focused on delivering real development for the people of Zamfara.
