Zamfara's Political Landscape: A Former Governor's Legacy Under Scrutiny

Ex-Senior Advisor Takes a Bold Stand

Lawal Idris, a former Senior Special Assistant to the immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, has thrown a major curveball by labeling Matawalle's administration as a complete failure. Idris isn't holding back—his words carry a weight that resonates deeply with those who have closely followed the state's political journey. In a candid statement, he pointed out that Matawalle's tenure was marred by political chaos, economic stagnation, and a concerning rise in insecurity and confusion.

The Wage Issue: A Key Point of Criticism

Idris went on to highlight one of the most glaring issues during Matawalle’s time in office: the inability to pay civil servants their rightful wages. Instead of adhering to the then minimum wage of ₦30,000, Matawalle settled for a meager ₦7,000 per month. This decision left many civil servants demoralized and struggling to make ends meet. It wasn't just about the numbers—it was about the message it sent: a lack of commitment to the welfare of the state's workforce.

A Response to Recent Accusations

Idris made these comments in response to a statement from Yusuf Idris Gusau, the Publicity Secretary of a faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State. Gusau had accused Governor Dauda Lawal of deceit for implementing the much-anticipated ₦70,000 minimum wage, claiming it was a mere ploy to win the hearts of civil servants. But Idris pushed back hard, arguing that the APC is simply bitter about Gov. Lawal's achievements in just two years, which he claims surpass the four years under Matawalle’s leadership.

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The Political Fallout: A Party in Crisis

Idris didn’t stop there. He accused the APC of still being hung up on their defeat in the 2023 governorship election. Writing on behalf of the Zamfara Rescue Movement, he emphasized that criticizing Gov. Lawal’s efforts to improve civil servant welfare is a distortion of the truth. He argued that inciting citizens against a government they overwhelmingly voted for is not just unpatriotic but also counterproductive. The people of Zamfara, he stated, are looking for progress, not partisan bickering.

A Call for Unity and Progress

In a passionate appeal, Idris urged the APC to set aside their political grudges and focus on the bigger picture. He argued that the dividends of democracy should be prioritized over personal vendettas. According to him, the politics of bitterness has no place in Zamfara State, and this is exactly why the people chose to vote out the APC in the 2023 gubernatorial election. The party, he noted, remains deeply factionalized, lacking direction and a clear future.

A Legacy of Economic Hardship

Idris further elaborated on the dire state of affairs under Matawalle’s administration. He pointed out that civil servants were not only underpaid but also owed months of back wages and pensions. Promotions and crucial human capital development trainings were suspended due to a lack of strategic resource management. This created a toxic environment where workers felt undervalued and unmotivated, severely impacting the state's potential for economic growth and prosperity.

A New Dawn for Zamfara State

Idris concluded by affirming that the dark days of political instability, economic stagnation, insecurity, and governance confusion are now behind Zamfara State. He highlighted that the current administration has taken significant steps to settle all outstanding payments to former members of the State House of Assembly. Moreover, funds that were withheld for two years by the Matawalle administration have finally been released to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies across the state.

This is not just about numbers or policies—it’s about a renewed sense of hope and progress for the people of Zamfara. As they move forward, the citizens are optimistic that the new administration will deliver on its promises and usher in an era of prosperity and stability.