By Our Reporter The Zamfara State Factional House of Assembly has called on Governor Dauda Lawal to establish three Internally...
By Our Reporter
The Zamfara State Factional House of Assembly has called on Governor Dauda Lawal to establish three Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state, citing his administration's failure to fulfill its promise to end armed banditry and its neglect of displaced persons.
In a motion moved by Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur, the member representing Bakura State Constituency, the lawmaker accused Governor Lawal of allowing insecurity to escalate while failing to provide aid to displaced persons, who are left to roam the streets of towns in search of food. Tukur emphasized that the state government had failed to protect citizens’ lives, property, and businesses.
Tukur suggested that the state establish one IDP camp in each of the three Senatorial Districts to provide displaced persons with a sense of security and belonging. He argued that such camps would protect vulnerable individuals and offer them access to essential services, including healthcare and education, while also enabling the government to gather accurate data on the displaced population.
Tukur also criticized the governor for not holding regular security meetings with heads of security agencies, which could help develop more effective strategies to address insecurity. He also noted the governor’s unwillingness to engage with other stakeholders to find solutions to the ongoing security crisis.
Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Hon. Mukhtaru Nasiru Kaura (Kaura Namoda North), and Hon. Bashir Bello Sarki Zango (Bungudu West) also spoke on the matter, condemning the lack of sympathy visits by the state government to areas affected by recent attacks. They listed several villages—including Madira, Dayau, Daba in Kaura Namoda, Kwaren Ganuwa, Musawa Kalgo, Raka in Tsafe, Yar-Galma in Bukkuyum, and Danmagori in Bungudu—that were attacked, with no official response from the state government.
The lawmakers further criticized the government for arresting residents of Madira who peacefully protested against the ongoing killings in their community. They were detained under accusations of damaging flowers at the Emir’s palace, with no charges filed against them.
The Parallel Assembly under Gummi also accused Governor Dauda Lawal and former Speaker Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki of embezzling N800 million monthly under the guise of “special assignments,” describing it as a coordinated effort to siphon funds meant for the people of Zamfara. The accusation was raised by House Minority Leader Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara of Mafara South Constituency, who called for an investigation into the matter.
Hon. Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun 1), Hon. Amiru Ahmed Keta (Tsafe West), and Hon. Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North) contributed to the discussion, stating that if the N800 million had been properly utilized over the last 23 months, it could have solved critical issues, including the perennial water shortage in Gusau, where residents now pay exorbitant prices for a 25-liter jerrycan of water.
The Speaker, Bashir Aliyu Gummi, referred the matter to the House Adhoc Committee for further investigation. The committee’s findings will be forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) for further action.
The Parallel Assembly also condemned the Dauda Lawal administration for abandoning Zamfara students in Cyprus, forcing them into exploitative labor and facing deportation threats. The Assembly questioned whether the governor would treat his own children in the same manner, particularly when he used state funds to attend his son's graduation in the United Kingdom, while students in Cyprus suffered. The House called on human rights groups, civil society organizations, and the federal government to intervene and assist the students.
The motion on the issue was moved by Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North).
The House adjourned its sitting to the next legislative day.
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