By Editor
Residents of Zamfara State have expressed outrage over Governor Dauda Lawal’s distribution of N50 million to former governors and deputy governors of the state in the spirit of Ramadan.
Sources said the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Nakwada, disclosed the payments during an informal discussion. He reportedly stated that former Governor Ahmed Rufai Sani Bakura and former Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi each received N15 million, while former Deputy Governors Muktar Ahmed Anka and Ibrahim Wakala Muhammad got N10 million each.
However, some residents believe the gesture was politically motivated, aimed at securing the loyalty of opposition figures.
The distribution has sparked criticism, particularly in light of the widespread poverty and hunger in the state. Many questioned the acceptance of the funds by former Governor Bakura, who played a key role in implementing Sharia law in Zamfara.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, recalled how Bakura’s administration amputated a man convicted of theft, saying, “Now he is receiving money he never worked for. If we go by the same Sharia principles, this should be considered stealing.”
Another resident accused the beneficiaries of hypocrisy, saying, “Those who claim to be in the opposition have exposed themselves as lacking integrity. If they can accept such payments, they cannot be trusted.”
Some residents also argued that accepting public funds without justification goes against Sharia law and called for the beneficiaries to be held accountable.
It was gathered that the disbursement was handled by the SSG, Abubakar Nakwada, and the Commissioner for Budget, Abdulmalik Gajam, who is a son-in-law to former Governor Bakura. Sources further alleged that Gajam confirmed the transactions in another informal gathering.
The state government has yet to officially respond to the criticisms.
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