By Hussaini Baba The Zamfara State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Bashir Aliyu Gummi, has strongly condemne...
By Hussaini Baba
The Zamfara State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Bashir Aliyu Gummi, has strongly condemned the handling of security issues in the state by Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration, declaring the situation unacceptable and calling for a full-scale investigation into the management of Emirate and local government funds.
This renewed outrage follows the killing of 38 out of 56 persons kidnapped four months ago in Banga Ward, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. The victims, who had paid N50 million in ransom, were slaughtered by bandits—a development the Assembly said was a result of the governor's abandonment of the victims and failure to act.
Raising the issue under matters of urgent public importance, Hon. Mukhtaru Nasiru Kaura (Jikan Shehu), representing Kaura Namoda North, said his constituency was under siege and accused the state government of neglect.
"I have made repeated calls to the state government over the persistent attacks in my constituency, but they fell on deaf ears. This led to the gruesome murder of 38 innocent people despite paying ransom," he said. "Instead of addressing these issues, we were purportedly suspended from the House for raising them."
Several members, including Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North) and Hon. Bashir Bello Bungudu (Bungudu West), condemned the governor’s approach to security, urging the Assembly to pass another vote of no confidence in his leadership. They warned that Governor Lawal would one day be held accountable—by both the people and God—for the lives lost under his administration.
The House also called for immediate compensation for the families of the 38 victims.
Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South) accused the governor of deliberately undermining security efforts, citing lack of support to security agencies and sabotage of federal initiatives. He also criticized the governor’s handling of the medical treatment of the late Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello.
"Only N2 million was released for the Emir’s treatment, but N48 million was spent on transporting his remains from Abuja to Zamfara," he said. "This speaks volumes about the government’s misplaced priorities."
The lawmakers further demanded a full investigation into the usage of the five percent deductions from local government funds meant for Emirate Councils, questioning their management under the current administration.
They also expressed anger that the governor, after briefly attending the late Emir’s funeral, left the state immediately for London to attend his daughter’s birthday party.
A two-minute silence was observed in honour of the 38 slain victims and the late Emir.
In their contributions, Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Hon. Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun I), and Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur (Bakura) accused the governor of disrespecting the traditional institution. They claimed that Emirate Councils could no longer cover basic expenses due to lack of funding and called for the Special Assistant on Chieftaincy Affairs to appear before the House to explain the non-release of running costs, as stipulated by state laws.
Similarly, Hon. Amiru Ahmed Keta (Tsafe West) presented a motion urging the state government to pay the withheld salaries and allowances of civil servants who have gone unpaid for six months without due process or justification. The motion was seconded by Hon. Mukhtaru Nasiru Kaura.
“Civil servants in Zamfara are suffering. Some have served for over 20 years and are still denied their rightful entitlements,” said Keta.
Hon. Barr. Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North) added that democratic governments should prioritize citizens' welfare over political gain. He urged the government to reinstate the affected workers and pay all outstanding entitlements.
The House also questioned the rationale behind paying N20 million monthly to certain political aides—Kabiru Mato, Barau, and Modibbo, all non-indigenes—while civil servants struggle to receive the minimum wage of N70,000.
In a related motion, Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru moved for an investigation into the ongoing deduction of 3 percent educational levy from the 14 local governments, which is meant to fund the Zamfara State University in Talata Mafara. Despite the deductions, the university has reportedly not received any funds from the Ministry for Local Government, with current developments being solely sponsored by TETFUND and donor agencies.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Barr. Bashir Abubakar Masama.
Hon. Faruk Musa Dosara and Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur emphasized the importance of education and expressed dismay that the government is neglecting the sector despite existing legislation. The House unanimously called for the immediate release of the educational levy for its intended purpose.
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