The Zamfara Concerned Citizens group has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to place Governor Dauda Lawal on a watchlist due to substantial revenue received by Zamfara State, local governments,and other sources totaling ₦341,593,410,590 from May 2023 to October 2024.
The breakdown of the revenue is as follows:FAAC State Government: ₦139,681,912,237.13,FAAC Local Government ₦88,741,377,601.75,IGR: ₦15,000,000,000.00,NG-CARES 1: ₦2,700,000,000.00,NG-CARES 2: ₦49,182,347,834.58,Infrastructure Support: ₦20,000,000,000.00,Bond Balance:₦14,334,813,918.00,Accresal: ₦2,652,950,000.00,UBE Grants: ₦6,300,000,000.00anf Grand Total: ₦341,593,410,590.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Abubakar Ibrahim Gusau, the group alleges that a major airport project awarded during Dr. Bello Matawalle’s administration was initially budgeted at ₦11 billion, with the contractor spending almost ₦9 billion to construct the airport.
However, Dauda re-awarded the contract at ₦62.9 billion and collected 20% of this amount from the contractor.
The group further claims that road construction contracts initiated under the previous administration were significantly inflated.
A project initially estimated to cost between ₦75 and ₦80 million per kilometer was instead awarded at ₦1.2 billion per kilometer, with only 11 kilometers constructed in Gusau, Lawal’s local government area.
Additionally, a road from Gusau to Dan Sadau, originally proposed at ₦5.8 billion, but because of matawalle financial disciplined he said is too cost, but Now Dauda awarded at cost of ₦82.3 billion. Dauda allegedly collected 20% of this new contract, totaling approximately ₦16,2 billion.
The group also alleges a plot involving bandits, claiming they intend to kidnap some workers to create the impression that bandits are preventing road construction, thereby allowing them to misappropriate the allocated funds.
They accuse the governor of planning to award contracts in areas known for bandit activities.
After collecting a 20% share, he would then claim that bandits have prevented the completion of the project, thus justifying the unspent funds.
The group calls on the EFCC, ICPC, rural communities, and Zamfara citizens to closely monitor Dauda’s actions.
They question the whereabouts of the remaining funds, suggesting that significant portions of the allocated money may have been diverted to the governor’s personal accounts, enabling him to maintain a lavish lifestyle while residents face hunger and insecurity.
The group also criticizes the governor’s handling of security funds, noting that ₦12 billion was allocated for security from January to October 2024, yet no substantial resources have been provided to support security agencies.
They argue that, without federal assistance, the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara could have led to mass emigration.
Gusau emphasized the need for transparency regarding the utilization of the ₦12 billion security allocation, demanding accountability from the governor.
He also alleged that Lawal and his associates are benefiting from state funds intended to protect the lives and property of Zamfara citizens.
The group highlighted the political repercussions of the alleged corruption, which have included the resignation of a former Inspector General of Police and the defection of a lawmaker.
In light of these allegations, the Zamfara Concerned Citizens have formally requested that the EFCC and ICPC investigate Governor Dauda Lawal’s activities, underscoring the critical importance of accountability and transparency in state governance.
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