A parallel session of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Bashar Gummi, has accused Governor Dauda Lawal of gross financial mismanagement, faulting the alleged ₦9 billion earmarked for the renovation of the Yariman Bakura Teaching Hospital in Gusau.
The lawmakers, who sat in Gusau on Thursday, July 3, described the project cost as outrageous and wasteful, warning that it could trigger impeachment proceedings if clarifications are not provided within two weeks.
Naijaonpoint reports that during the plenary, members expressed outrage over what they called a questionable renovation figure.
The lawmakers argued that the teaching hospital, initially initiated by ex-Governor Aliyu Shinkafi and later completed by Governor Abdulaziz Yari at a cost of around ₦1bn, should not require nine times that amount for mere refurbishment.
“How does a project built for ₦1bn suddenly require ₦9bn just for painting?” one member queried during the heated session.
The lawmakers also raised serious concerns over the whereabouts of the ₦200 billion reportedly disbursed to the Zamfara State Government as part of the federal government’s palliatives after the removal of fuel subsidies.
They noted that ₦20bn was sent to each state monthly for 10 months, and Zamfara had received its full share.
Similarly, the Assembly questioned the handling of ₦49bn reportedly secured through the NG-CARES programme meant to support 250 youths per ward in all 147 political wards of the state, especially youths displaced by bandit attacks.
They noted that the programme funds were accessed due to a ₦2.6bn counterpart funding earlier paid by the immediate past administration under Governor Bello Matawalle.
“We demand a full financial breakdown. If we don’t receive satisfactory explanations in two weeks, we will have no choice but to initiate impeachment processes,” The PUNCH quoted a lawmaker as saying.
Beyond the financial queries, the lawmakers took turns decrying the worsening state of security in Zamfara.
Hon. Aliyu Kagara (Talata Mafara South) said the governor appears to have lost control, adding that criminals now operate brazenly across major roads.
“Travelling through the Gusau/Maru/Talata Mafara road is like walking into death. People are kidnapped, and the government is silent,” he said.
He narrated how bandits collected ₦17 million from Morai villagers for the release of their relatives, yet failed to release them even after receiving the ransom.
According to Kagara, the government’s silence has emboldened criminals and discouraged the public.
Adding to the criticism, Hon. Nasiru Maru (Maru North) urged the House to push for educational reforms, including free education and scholarships for indigenes.
On his part, Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur (Bakura) called for a vote of no confidence on Governor Lawal, accusing him of dividing the state and marginalising Islamic leaders.
He said the governor’s actions had eroded public trust and destabilised the unity of the state.
“The governor has not only failed on security and governance, but he is also on a mission to destroy the religious institutions by tampering with the Ulama Council,” Tukur alleged.
The session ended with a strong resolution calling on the executive arm to address the issues raised or face dire legislative consequences urgently.