The Zamfara State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Bashar Gummi, has accused Governor Dauda Lawal of mismanaging public funds, citing the N9 billion approved for the renovation of Yariman Bakura Teaching Hospital, Gusau.
During Thursday’s plenary in Gusau, lawmakers questioned how a hospital originally built at about N1 billion under former governors Aliyu Shinkafi and Abdulaziz Yari could now require nine times that amount for renovation, which they described as “mere painting.”
The Assembly also demanded explanations regarding the N200 billion the state received following the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal—money intended to cushion economic hardship. Lawmakers alleged that Zamfara, like other states, got N20 billion monthly for 10 months, but the use of these funds remains unclear.
Similarly, questions were raised about the N49 billion allocated under the NG-CARES programme, designed to empower 250 youths in each of the state’s 147 wards, especially those affected by banditry. The Assembly noted that the funds followed a N2.6 billion counter-funding commitment by ex-governor Bello Matawalle before leaving office.
The legislators gave Governor Lawal two weeks to provide a detailed account of these funds, warning that failure to do so would trigger impeachment proceedings.
In addition to the financial concerns, lawmakers condemned the worsening insecurity across the state. Hon. Aliyu Kagara (Talata Mafara South) lamented that the governor had lost control of the situation, citing incidents where kidnappers extorted millions in ransom without freeing hostages, while the government remained silent.
Kagara described the Gusau-Maru-Talata Mafara road as too dangerous for travel at any hour, and faulted the administration for failing to support victims or families of slain Community Protection Guards.
Meanwhile, Hon. Nasiru Maru (Maru North) called for the introduction of free education and scholarships for Zamfara indigenes.
Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur (Bakura) urged colleagues to pass a vote of no confidence on Governor Lawal, accusing him of endangering lives and property, sowing distrust among citizens, and attempting to undermine Islamic institutions, starting with the Ulama Council.
