The Zamfara Good Governance Forum has raised serious concerns regarding recent statements made by Governor Dauda Lawal in an interview with DW Hausa. During the interview, the governor alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deliberately withholding federal allocations meant for Zamfara State due to political differences. The Forum finds these claims deeply troubling, given their potential to create unnecessary tension and undermine public confidence in the nation’s fiscal processes.
Federal allocations to states are governed by well-defined constitutional provisions and revenue-sharing formulas, which are transparent and accessible to all state governments. For a sitting governor to publicly suggest that these allocations are being withheld for partisan reasons is a grave accusation that demands immediate substantiation. Without concrete evidence, such statements risk misleading the public and eroding trust in the institutions responsible for equitable resource distribution.
In light of these allegations, the Zamfara Good Governance Forum is calling on Governor Lawal to provide full financial transparency. If Zamfara State is indeed being shortchanged, the governor should present detailed records of all Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements received since he took office. This should include monthly receipts, internally generated revenue figures, debt profiles, repayment schedules, audited expenditure reports, and any official correspondence with the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). Only through such transparency can the governor’s claims be validated and public skepticism addressed.
Zamfara State is currently grappling with severe challenges, including insecurity and economic hardship. These issues require focused leadership, fiscal accountability, and constructive collaboration between state and federal authorities. Unsubstantiated public accusations not only divert attention from pressing governance matters but also exacerbate political tensions at a time when unity and cooperation are crucial.
The Forum has also observed the escalating political rhetoric surrounding recent criticisms directed at the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle. It cautions against the politicization of security matters and the unnecessary involvement of federal institutions in state-level disputes. The Presidency is a national institution that must be approached with respect and responsibility, regardless of political affiliations.
In the interest of truth and accountability, the Zamfara Good Governance Forum urges Governor Lawal to either provide verifiable evidence to support his allegations or retract his statements if they cannot be substantiated. The people of Zamfara deserve leaders who prioritize openness, responsible governance, and factual discourse over sensationalism and political brinkmanship.
The future of Zamfara State hinges on mature leadership, transparent financial management, and a commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than public confrontation. At this critical juncture, the Forum emphasizes the need for leaders to rise above divisive rhetoric and work collaboratively towards sustainable solutions for the state’s challenges.
Good governance demands accountability, and the citizens of Zamfara have the right to know the truth behind these financial claims. The Forum remains committed to advocating for transparency, fairness, and responsible leadership in the best interest of the state and its people.
