Zamfara retrogressing underneath Governor Lawal – Northern youth group

A northern youth group, Arewa Youths for Democracy and Development, AYDD, has accused Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State of poor performance, stating that the state has regressed since he assumed office in May 2023.

In a statement issued in Gusau on Sunday, the group asserted that Zamfara is now worse off in key sectors such as security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

According to AYDD President, Comrade Ibrahim Danladi Gwaska, the high hopes held by the populace when Lawal became governor have turned into disappointment.

“Zamfara has gone six years backward. There is no proper leadership, no plan, and no action,” Gwaska said.

He stated that insecurity has deteriorated, with bandits continuing to attack areas such as Maru, Zurmi, Anka, Shinkafi, and Tsafe. “People are still being killed and kidnapped, yet the government is quiet,” he added.

AYDD further claimed that public schools are in a deplorable state, lacking chairs and roofs, with teachers going unpaid. In the health sector, they alleged that hospitals are without drugs and basic equipment.

“Women in labour bring their own water and fuel to hospitals. Meanwhile, the governor travels abroad for medical check-ups,” Gwaska said.

The group noted that no tangible job creation or business support programmes for young people have been initiated, and ongoing road projects commenced by the previous administration have been abandoned.

They also accused the government of lacking transparency in the management of public funds, particularly concerning security and contract expenditures.

AYDD called on the State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations to hold the governor accountable. “Zamfara people just want a government that works. If Governor Lawal can’t do the job, he should say so,” Gwaska said.

The group concluded by stating that it would soon launch a campaign to mobilise voters across the state to vote Lawal out in 2027.