‘I met N4m in Zamfara account’ – New Governor, Dauda Lawal Says

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has revealed the financial challenges faced by the state, citing that he has been governing on borrowed funds due to his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, leaving behind a mere N4 million.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Governor Lawal stated that the salaries of workers have not been paid for four months, and senior secondary school students have been unable to sit for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO).

Lawal expressed his concerns, stating, “I have been running the affairs of the state on debt since I assumed office as governor of Zamfara. I met the treasury account of the state with no money. I only saw a single account with about N3 to N4 million in it.”

He further explained the dire financial situation, highlighting the unpaid salaries of workers and mounting debts that have led to power disconnections in government buildings and unpaid allowances for security agencies.

Regarding claims of N20 billion being left in the state’s treasury, Lawal expressed skepticism and requested evidence to support the assertion.

He stressed the need for transparency, stating, “When I heard that, I asked that they should come and show me the account and make it public with evidence of the account where such an amount of money was kept.”

Governor Lawal also addressed other pressing issues, such as the lack of water supply in Gusau for the past four months, which he had to borrow money to address.

He promised to make efforts to solve the water problem and assured civil servants that he would do his best to pay their salaries before the observance of the Eid-l-Kabir festival. Lawal acknowledged the challenges and expressed his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities by securing loans and making necessary arrangements to pay the workers what they are owed.

As Governor Lawal strives to address the financial difficulties in Zamfara State, the government’s ability to meet its obligations and improve the overall situation remains a top priority.

Meanwhile, Kanyi Daily earlier reported that EFCC has not declared former Zamfara Governor, Muhammad Matawalle wanted.