The Zamfara State parallel House of Assembly, under the leadership of Bashar Aliyu Gummi, has strongly condemned what it described as the alleged misuse of state resources by Governor Dauda Lawal to sponsor attacks against his predecessor and current Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
The lawmakers accused the governor of engaging in witch-hunting and character assassination against Matawalle, alleging that such actions have become a regular pattern since Governor Dauda assumed office in 2023.
According to the Assembly, the governor has allegedly abandoned his constitutional responsibilities in favour of a personal political agenda aimed at remaining in office beyond 2027, a move they claimed has put him at loggerheads with the lawmakers due to their refusal to be part of what they described as a dirty job.
This position was contained in a statement signed by the factional Speaker of the parallel House, Bashar Aliyu Gummi, and made available to journalists shortly after the Assembly’s sitting in Gusau.
The lawmakers charged Governor Dauda to prioritize the security of lives and property across the state, lamenting allegations that billions of naira from taxpayers’ money were being spent to counter Matawalle’s perceived 2027 governorship ambition.
They vowed to investigate and expose funds allegedly siphoned by the state government for what they termed misplaced priorities, including the governor’s personal political battles, while urging him to redirect attention to the worsening security situation in the state.
The Assembly further noted that Governor Dauda campaigned on the promise to end insecurity immediately, insisting that, he has no justification for what they described as failure to fulfill that pledge.
They also expressed dismay over the governor’s alleged refusal to visit victims of bandit attacks or provide assistance to affected communities to alleviate their suffering.
The factional lawmakers reiterated their commitment to demanding accountability and adherence to the rule of law in Zamfara State until what they described as the “right things” are done.
During separate contributions at the plenary, members described Matawalle’s tenure as more committed and proactive in addressing security challenges, adding that Governor Dauda was allegedly unsettled by Matawalle’s popularity and wide acceptance across the state.
The lawmakers further raised concerns over the escalating insecurity in several parts of the state, citing recent attacks in Keta, Maru, and parts of Bungudu Local Government Areas, where many residents were reportedly abducted, alleging that the government remained silent on the incidents.
Those in attendance at the Wednesday sitting included the factional Speaker, Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi I), Amiru Ahmad Keta (Tsafe West); Muktar Nasir (Jikan Shehu) (Kaura North); Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Basiru Bello, also known as Sarkin Zango (Bungudu West); Bashir Abubakar Masama Bukkuyum (Bukkuyum North); Ibrahim Tudu Tukur (Bakura), Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun I); and Aliyu Ango Kagara (Mafara South).
At the end of the sitting, the Assembly unanimously commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and all security personnel involved in the fight against banditry and other criminal activities, praying for sustained efforts until peace is fully restored across the country.
REL/AMINU DALHATU
