Two years into Dauda Lawal’s governorship of Zamfara State, a civil society organization in the northwest has labeled his administration a “monumental failure,” alleging he has wasted the millions received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) without any discernible improvements. The Zamfara Progressive Coalition (ZAC), through its president, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Azumi, stated that the conditions for the people of Zamfara have deteriorated since Lawal took office in 2023. The group emphasized that despite the substantial FAAC funding over the past two years, the governor has prioritized display over effective governance, spending more time in Abuja than addressing issues in the state he governs. They urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the expenditure of Zamfara’s allocated funds over the past 24 months. “It is disheartening that two years post-election, Zamfara continues to be plagued by hunger, fear, and neglect,” the coalition stated. Despite receiving billions, there has not been a single major road, hospital, or school constructed or renovated. “The populace has been left to fend for themselves,” ZAC stated. It also noted that Zamfara continues to be one of the most troubled regions in Nigeria, plagued by constant assaults from bandits, dislocation of rural populations, and the failure of fundamental public services. The organization highlighted the increasing number of children not attending school, unpaid local government salaries, and the deteriorating security conditions as indicators of ineffective governance. “We anticipated a leader who would address insecurity immediately, invest in agriculture, generate employment, and restore our failing systems.” “What we have is a governor who is only part-time and chooses to stay in Abuja rather than listen to his constituents,” Dan-Azumi expressed in the statement. “Visit Tsafe, Bungudu, and Maru LGAs; the residents are enduring conditions similar to those of refugees in their own country.” Criminals extort money from farmers as the authorities remain passive. People in our community are abducted every week, but the governor continues to participate in events in Abuja. Additionally, hospitals throughout the state are short on essential medications. Expectant mothers are losing their lives due to preventable issues. Schools lack chairs, roofs, and instructors.
