Build on foundations laid by Matawalle, Group urges Zamfara Gov. Foundations

Agency Report

The Zamfara All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth League has appealed to Gov. Dauda Lawal to prioritise the people of the state by building on the foundations laid by his predecessor.

The group’s National Coordinator, Alhaji Ubaidullah Kaura, made the appeal at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

The news conference was aimed at addressing some pressing concerns about the state since the inception of the present administration.

Kaura noted that contrary to insinuations, the immediate past governor of the state, Bello Matawalle, built a modern and dignified Government House before leaving office.

This, he said, was not only for the use of the governor, but with additional guest houses for state visitors, thus saving the state government millions in hotel expenses.

Kaura further stated that Matawalle’s commitment extended beyond the government house as he also renovated the House of Assembly, equipping it with state-of-the-art facilities.

He said that it was, therefore, laughable for the governor to sit comfortably in the same ‘palatial government house’ built by Matawalle to criticise him of not doing anything for the state.

“In fact, Gov. Lawal is a living irony. He is a man who lives off the achievements of his predecessor, but still claims he did nothing,” he said.

The national coordinator recalled that during Matawalle’s administration, security was tackled effectively with a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

He said it was on record that for nine consecutive months, there were no reported terrorist or bandit attacks in the state.

“This is a testament to his strategic collaboration with stakeholders and innovative strategies.

Kaura described Matawalle as an exemplary leader, known as one of the most accessible governors in Northern Nigeria.

He said that Matawalle’s administration was marked by inclusivity and openness in his dealings with district heads, commissioners or ordinary citizens.

The coordinator added that this quality had endeared him to the people and fostered unity across the state, urging Lawal to adopt a similar approach to bridge divides and restore harmony to Zamfara.

“Matawalle’s tenure left a legacy of unity, development and security through collaborative governance and strategic initiatives.

“Gov. Lawal must prioritise the welfare of Zamfara citizens by building upon these foundations rather than dismantling them.

“We urge him to engage with stakeholders, recommit himself to addressing pressing challenges and work toward restoring Zamfara’s progress and prosperity trajectory.

“Without swift action, the state’s recent gains may be irrevocably lost, leaving its indigenes to bear the consequences,” he said.

Kaura called on the governor to take heed of his predecessor’s achievements and adopt similar strategies to uplift the state.

According to him, the governor must remember that his job is not to complain but to build on the foundation already laid by his predecessor.

He particularly urged him to emulate the institutionalisation and driving of social investment programmes in the state initiated by Matawalle.

Kaura said that the state needed a committed leader who would address its pressing socio-economic challenges and focus on programmes with direct impact on the welfare of the people.

“The governor’s focus should be on practical solutions that will uplift Zamfara indigenes, restore hope and lay ground for lasting progress in the state,” he said. (https://newsatlarge.ng)