By Oladapo Sofowora
While many are wondering why naysayers of Governor Dauda Lawal are angered by his growing influence in Zamfara and Nigeria’s political space, which has led to his consistent inclusion in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign trips entourage, such critics are rather myopic or economical with the truth. Instead, they should be excited that a highly cerebral and financially prudent Governor like him is being included in these high-level diplomatic engagements, from which Zamfara stands to gain significantly. These trips open the state to better strategic positioning and create room for foreign direct investment in agricultural development, mining and mineral resources and other critical sectors.
While counting its gains and celebrating that a state once known as Nigeria’s poverty capital is gradually reclaiming its lost glory, all thanks to Governor Dauda Lawal, many are playing politics with the collective future of Zamfara’s people. The recent malicious and unverified post with the headline “ZAMFARA, Hijacked by Thieves!!” being shared across social media maligning and casting aspersions on Governor Dauda Lawal should not be overlooked by well-meaning Nigerians rather we all should collectively rebuke the author for trying to spread falsehood ignorantly by positing unverified stories to start a campaign of calumny against Governor Lawal and the Zamfara State Government. The author is definitely on a mission to paint a picture that does not reflect the true situation on the ground. Despite the opposition’s constant wailing, Zamfara has continued to shine, recording not only a change in fortune but also unprecedented infrastructural development across the state one not witnessed since the creation of the state decades ago. Many states have even called for the Zamfara blueprint to be replicated elsewhere to achieve similar success. This shows that Governor Lawal is getting things right with his policies and also ways of actualising them.
Personally, despite witnessing all the developmental strides of Governor Lawal in Zamfara State, I find it essential to speak up against the lies being peddled online about a Governor who is financially prudent and has ensured that Zamfara experiences unprecedented development. He could easily have opened the state’s purse and spent like a drunken sailor, but instead, he chose to invest in healthcare delivery, educational development, security, women’s empowerment, skills acquisition, infrastructural development, agriculture, transportation and more.
Governor Lawal is Attracting Investment and Not Junketing Around the World
The author alleged that Governor Lawal spent millions of dollars on globe-trotting despite the figures being overly inflated by the author to suit his agenda, but conveniently ignores the results of these diplomatic missions. The world does not invest in a state it cannot see. Governor Lawal has been a tireless advocate for Zamfara’s visibility on the global stage. Unlike previous administrations, this government has actively engaged with development partners and investors, positioning Zamfara as an investment hub, a strategy that contributed to the recent launch of the $200 million Zamfara Lithium Mining and Processing Plant operated by ZAM Mining Co. Ltd in Boko Village, Zurmi LGA, a joint investment by Chinese firm Jinlide Co. Ltd, Bima Mines and other partners. In business, you use money to make money and for Zamfara, foreign direct investment has not only positioned the state as an investment destination but has also created jobs and revenue opportunities that will drive sustainable development.
The trips the author listed have further secured critical partnerships in agriculture, infrastructure and security. The so-called “first-class tickets” and “charters” are standard for high-level diplomatic engagements, designed to protect the safety and security of the state’s number one citizen. This is not a luxury; it is a necessity and protocols allow for such travel arrangements. As Governor Dauda Lawal has always advocated for open books and financial prudence with his budget performance published annually, the financial allocations the author mentioned are for official purposes and are documented not pocketed. The accusations are merely beer-parlour talk, given the massive influx of international support currently benefiting Zamfara State. The United Nations Secretary-General, Mrs Amina Mohammed recently paid a visit to the state where he lauded the governor for his strides also the educational sector is receiving positive attention from a global educational development body. These are gains of the foreign trips and every kobo spent is properly appropriated and accounted for in the budget performance.
On the allegations of lavish spending on aides, the author also listed inflated figures allegedly allocated to the Governor’s close aides, figures that are clearly obnoxious. One wonders whether the author was present when the money he quoted was disbursed. The figures are merely a figment of his imagination, a blatant lie from the pit of hell. All those mentioned have vehemently disclosed that they only receive allocations tied to their offices, as required by law and that nothing extra was paid. The way the author quoted figures in dollars suggests he believes the dollar is official legal tender in Nigeria, which shows the author is simply trying to sell lies in a palatable way.
On ACReSAL and Development Contracts, the author has attempted to paint contracts for rural development as a “looting” exercise. This is an insult to the hardworking people of Zamfara, who can see where their taxes are being put to good use and where allocations are being expended. Some states award contracts that never see the light of day, but the contracts the author mentioned are verifiable and are actively being executed by the administration or some have been delivered. In Zamfara, contracts are bid for with solid requirements and when any contractor meets the required standards and demonstrates capacity, such contracts are awarded. Nobody unbiased can see the work being done by Governor Lawal and call it inferior. Contracts in Zamfara are executed with quality specifications and in line with stipulated procurement processes. According to sources, many contractors are awarded jobs based on performance and track records. As regards the allegation that contracts are given to Governor Lawal himself, that is a complete falsehood. Governor Lawal is not a contractor. He was a seasoned investment banker before venturing into politics. If the author can provide the name of Governor Lawal as director or owner of any company that has received contracts from Zamfara State, let him do so by publishing with facts and not mere assumption in a bid to distort the truth.
On the ACReSAL Project, the administration is actively implementing the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. Just recently, the project supported 1,000 Zamfara farmers with agricultural inputs and improved seeds to enhance food security. The contracts listed are not handouts to “friends”; they are development projects awarded to qualified firms. For instance, the ACReSAL project has specific contracts for flood and erosion control, such as the reclamation of 1,000 hectares in Gusau and Bungudu LGAs. These are projects that save lives and land. The Governor is committed to ensuring that the disbursement of funds actually delivers visible projects, unlike the previous administration where money was simply “shared” without any physical legacy.
The “Outsiders” Claim
The author also claims that over 90% of contracts are going to “outsiders” is a blatant lie. The government is transparently awarding contracts based on competence, speed and capacity. The pace of development across Zamfara and its local governments is unprecedented. His Excellency is focused on leaving a legacy of infrastructure. The billions of naira being spent on roads, hospitals and the airport are not “looted”; they are being constructed. The Airport recently had Zamfara pilgrims going for holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia fly and land after performing Hajj. We see the roads, the new Government House renovations, the solar power lighting up communities, the hospitals, the primary healthcare centres, the schools and more.
The author also mentioned a Zamfara indigene who got a contract based on their capacity. The question to be asked is were contracts not carried out and delivered? When an indigenous company gets a contract, the effect trickles down to the people because it’s a way of making funds move around the local economy. Governor Lawal has always advocated that 80% of Labour for Zamfara contracts should be picked from the people within the community this will create job opportunities and will also ensure inclusion in terms of economic effect on the people who will benefit from getting paid.
On the security funds embezzlement allegation, I also find it deeply offensive that the writer would accuse the Governor and his aides of embezzling funds intended for security. Governor Dauda Lawal has made security his top priority, investing heavily in the security architecture of the state. In the 2025 budget, security constitutes 6% of the total N545 billion “RESCUE BUDGET 2.0,” totalling N32.28 billion allocated to security interventions. The Governor has established the Community Protection Guard (CPG), which has curtailed the level of insecurity experienced before the advent of his administration. He has also been a vocal advocate for state police, arguing that it would give governors genuine authority as chief security officers to combat insecurity effectively. The results are there for all to see: attacks have reduced, farmers are returning to their lands, and communities that were once deserted are now being repopulated. To insinuate that this administration is embezzling security funds is to insult the sacrifices of our gallant security forces who risk their lives daily to protect Zamfara citizens.
As much as I have wanted to look away from the lies being peddled, posterity would judge me for keeping quiet when such falsehoods are being consumed hook, line and sinker by many who believe them. The allegations are nothing but cheap political tricks. The administration under Governor Dauda Lawal has empowered more Zamfara indigenes in the last two years than in the previous ten. However, the administration should not allow a “taxi” company without the machinery to execute a multi-billion-naira road project just to satisfy the quota of “indigeneship.” The government is building a state not an employment bureau for political cronies.
I urge the public to disregard this baseless blackmail. The Governor remains undeterred in its mission to reset the Zamfara narrative. The administration of Governor Lawal is open to scrutiny, but should not entertain a critique that ignores the visible evidence of development. The administration’s books are open, projects are visible and the Governor is firmly on the ground politically. Instead of spreading falsehoods, the author should visit these project sites and see for himself the transformation of a state finally freed from the shackles of poor leadership.
