A socio-political group, Zamfara Elders Support for Peace and Development, on Tuesday tackled Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, over his criticisms of his predecessor and current Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle.
In a statement on Tuesday by its Chairman, Aliyu Adamu Kaura, the group described Governor Lawal’s remarks as “baseless, diversionary, and unbecoming of a leader entrusted with the responsibility of steering Zamfara State through critical challenges.”
The group’s reaction followed Lawal’s appearance on Arise Television on Sunday, where the governor claimed he inherited a near-empty treasury, with just N4m left in the state coffers.
“When I took over as governor, Zamfara State was in a mess—security was at its worst, education and healthcare were at the bottom, and human capital development was almost non-existent. That’s why I had to declare a state of emergency,” Lawal said during the interview.
However, the elders’ group accused the governor of shifting blame rather than tackling the state’s worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, and crumbling infrastructure.
The group claimed that Lawal’s administration had made little to no meaningful impact in critical sectors vital to the well-being of Zamfara’s citizens.
It lamented what it called the near-collapse of the education system, claiming that over 65% of primary schools in 12 local governments had been abandoned, with many buildings in severe disrepair.
“Zamfara recorded its worst performances in national examinations under Governor Lawal’s watch,” the group claimed. “Both UNICEF and UBEC have raised concerns, yet the administration continues to withdraw support from essential educational initiatives.”
The group also rated Lawal low in the provision of water, saying residents of Gusau and all 14 local government areas face acute water shortages, while state-run hospitals remain understaffed and poorly equipped to meet the needs of the population.
The elders further criticised Governor Lawal for alleged fiscal mismanagement, claiming that his administration spent over N4bn on vehicles for political appointees without legislative approval, even as rural communities continue to lack basic infrastructure, including roads, shelter, and health services.
They also raised alarm over the state’s declining emergency response capabilities, noting that only three out of 14 fire service vehicles inherited from the previous administration remain operational.
“This kind of recklessness puts lives and property at risk,” the group warned.
The statement also condemned what it described as the governor’s divisive political style, accusing him of nurturing vendettas and fostering disunity.
“Governor Lawal’s open hostility towards Matawalle has clouded his judgment. Surrounded by short-sighted aides, he is fast losing credibility as a capable leader, becoming known more for his media appearances and blame games than for actual governance,” the statement alleged.
The group cited a recent example, noting that the governor was seen attending a political event in Ibadan on the same day bandits reportedly attacked six communities in Zamfara.
“We call on Governor Lawal to rise above petty politics and focus on delivering real governance. The people of Zamfara deserve better,” the group said.