In a firm attempt to quell growing disquiet within his administration, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has thrown down the gauntlet to cabinet members and political aides complaining about a lack of personal patronage, asking them to tender their resignations immediately.
Rebuffing the claims, the governor insisted that public office must not be treated as a vehicle for individual enrichment at the expense of public development.
Speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Gusau on Sunday, Lawal addressed mounting grievances from political appointees, youth groups, and women leaders over alleged neglect and lack of welfare under his leadership.
“There are some political officeholders who complain that they have not gotten anything,” Lawal stated. “That is not true. Even among the commissioners, anyone who feels he is not getting anything should resign.”
Defending his record, Lawal explained that his administration chose to prioritize capital development over political patronage during its first three years in office.
According to him, the strategy directed over ₦20 billion worth of basic infrastructure projects into each of the state’s 14 local government areas through various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
“For three years, we have focused on governance. Now it is time to return to politics, because its time has come,” he told party loyalists.
Addressing criticism surrounding government transparency, Lawal admitted to an omission in failing to publish contract awards publicly, promising that the names of all contractors executing state projects would soon be made public.
The governor also took aim at internal division, urging party members to dismantle deep-seated factional lines tied to prominent political figures in the state.
“From today, please, let us stop the politics of so-and-so’s house. The talk of Dauda’s house, Matawalle’s house, or Shehi’s house should stop. Let us unite and stay under one house, because it is Allah who has brought us together in His grace.”
To forge a unified front ahead of upcoming political activities, Lawal announced plans to meet in Abuja with former Zamfara governors — Ahmad Yarima, Mamuda Shinkafi, Abdulaziz Yari, and Bello Matawalle — to harmonize interests and compile the membership of the state’s APC Campaign Council.
Highlighting human capital development efforts, the governor noted that over 3,000 youths have been trained in vocational skills, with transport allowances and startup support provided to graduates to foster self-reliance.
He assured disgruntled party members that their concerns had been noted, appealing for patience as the administration rolls out new measures to accommodate broader interests.
“We will come up with plans so that everyone will benefit, by the grace of Allah. Whoever has something in his heart should be patient,” he pleaded.