Kaduna, April 20, 2025 – In a press conference held in Kaduna, the former Commissioner of Information for Zamfara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, speaking on behalf of former Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, addressed allegations made by Governor Dauda Lawal during his April 14, 2025 interview on Arise TV.
The briefing, titled “The Many Lies of Governor Dauda Lawal,” aimed to refute claims made by the current governor regarding the financial and administrative state of Zamfara under Matawalle’s leadership.
Financial Discrepancies
Governor Lawal alleged that Matawalle’s administration left only ₦4 million in the state treasury. Dosara countered this claim, stating that ₦14 billion in bond proceeds, ₦2.6 billion in World Bank funds, ₦6.3 billion in UBE grants, and ₦2.7 billion in NG Cares investments were left behind.
Salary Backlogs
Lawal’s assertion of a 4.5-month salary backlog was also disputed. Dosara clarified that only three months of salaries were unpaid, attributing the delay to Lawal’s interference with financial mechanisms used to pay workers.
Security Claims
Lawal’s claims of improved security were labeled as misleading. Dosara highlighted ongoing attacks in Zamfara, including incidents in Morai and Tsafe, and criticized the recruitment and welfare of vigilante groups under Lawal’s administration.
Education and Infrastructure
The briefing questioned Lawal’s claims of settling WAEC and NECO fees, citing instances of Zamfara indigenes being denied access to the National Youth Service Scheme due to missing certificates. Additionally, Dosara refuted Lawal’s statements about poor road infrastructure, pointing out contradictions in his remarks.
Minimum Wage Implementation
While Lawal claimed credit for raising the minimum wage to ₦70,000, Dosara argued that the policy was initiated under Matawalle’s administration and criticized the delayed and incomplete implementation by Lawal.
The press conference concluded with Dosara urging Governor Lawal to uphold transparency and accountability in his governance.
