From Maiharaji Altine
Zamfara state government has described the recent criticisms on Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as unfounded and baseless.
Recall that, the state chapter of the APC has accused the Zamfara state government of expanding the sum of N1.3 billion to bandits and other media practitioners in the name of reconciliation.
The party also faulted the state government for transferring some directors of ministry of finance to avoid a repeat of the leaking government’s vital documents.
But reacting on behalf of the the state government, the commissioner of information, Alhaji Mannir Haidara described the APC’s accusations as unfounded, baseless, as well as complete display of ignorance on government’s activities and programs.
In a statement released by the Public Enlightened Unit of the ministry, Mannir Haidara said the APC spokesman Yusuf Idris and his associates appeared to be unfamiliar with civil service rules.
Haidara stressed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State found itself in a dilemma, envying the good governance and exceptional leadership of Dauda Lawal, as he advanced Zamfara State to the next level of development and prosperity.
The statement reads in parts as follows:-
“The APC spokesman Yusuf Idris and his associates, who appear unfamiliar with civil service rules, accused the Zamfara Government of improperly redeploying its officers”.
“This is simply childish, as, according to civil service norms, officers may be transferred, deployed, or repositioned based on prevailing circumstances whenever the government deems it necessary”.
“The recent redeployment of Directors in the State Ministry of Finance is a Government prerogative and aligns with the legal framework of the civil service”.
“Furthermore, the APC should recognize that Governor Dauda Lawal’s current leadership style is dedicated to reforming the civil service to eliminate inefficiencies, and promote decency, integrity, transparency, and accountability”.
“Consequently, the redeployment aligns with the principles of good governance and serves the best interests of the people of Zamfara State. It is not related to any unfounded claims made by the All Progressive Congress APC”.
“The APC should be aware that the current administration is restructuring all sectors and branches of Government to make the system more effective, vibrant, and results-oriented. This effort is part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to better serving the people of Zamfara State”.
“Also, the APC inaccurately claims that the Government, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), issued an official letter reassigning some of its finance officers to prevent further embarrassment”.
“Which letter are they referring to, and what kind of embarrassment are they talking about? If the APC has concrete evidence as claimed, they should produce the purported letter and clearly specify its intended purpose?”.
The commissioner stressed that, the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal was fully aware of the APC’s covert schemes designed to deceive the public and undermine the reputation of the Governor and his Government.
He cautioned the APC members that, all their negative plans have been closely monitored by the state government.
On the allegation that Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has failed to fulfill its campaign promises, Haidara stressed that “This is completely false”.
He said, “The people of Zamfara State will attest to the significant progress made by this administration in just one year, which far surpasses the years of mismanagement experienced during the APC’s tenure”.
“When the APC left office on May 29th, 2023, Zamfara State was in disarray, marked by massive debts, unpaid worker-salaries for four months, insecurity, and dysfunctional MDAs”.
According to him, within just a few days of assuming office, Governor Dauda Lawal addressed all these issues and restored order to the State.
He therefore explained that all the claims that the current administration of Governor Dauda Lawal was not fulfilling its campaign promises and mandate was simply a mischievious statement.
He lamented that, despite the APC’s past record of ties with bandits and criminals during the previous APC-led administration, which severely impacted the State, the APC has alleged that the redeployment of Directors was a deliberate move to conceal financial dealings with bandits.
He said, “This is another fabrication as the current administration under Governor Dauda Lawal has consistently distanced itself from the activities of bandits and has not compromised with criminal elements in the State”.
“The Government has been collaborating with all security forces across the country to combat banditry and criminal elements, which has led to positive results”.
Haidara also wanted the APC Publicity Secretary to explain to the public on what grounds and in what sense could criminality be linked to the activities of the State Ministry of Finance?
He stressed that the notion defied common sense, representing another deceptive agenda by the opposition APC.
He therefore advised the APC to remain silent, adding that, “The people of Zamfara State still remember the severe mismanagement and damage caused during their tenure, which left the State in a dire condition that this administration is working hard to rectify’.
The commissioner explained that the APC was also contradicting itself, referring to its claims as “allegations” while at times suggesting there was some truth to them.
“This contradiction revealed the APC’s hypocritical antagonism and blatant dishonesty, reflecting a deliberate and sustained effort to tarnish the reputation of the current administration”.
“A party that has lost its prominence, damaged its image and reputation, and is seen as ineffective in the political landscape of Zamfara State should refrain from interfering with the promising Government that serves the people, by the people, and for the people”.
He maintained that the APC was merely mocking itself, as it has lost relevance and influence among the people.
He said, “The people of Zamfara State have already rejected the APC”.
“The party is merely trying to make its voice heard because it has been overshadowed by the effective governance and successful leadership of their victor, His Excellency “Gamjin Zamfara,” Governor Dauda Lawal”.
“Next time, offer objective and meaningful criticism rather than this type of baseless criticism that has no impact on the Government or recognition from the people of Zamfara State”.
Haidara suggested that as a political party fractured into factions led by Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa, Hon. Sani Jaji, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Senator Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, due to significant internal crises, it was supposed to focus on mending its divisions and restoring order within its ranks.
“It should avoid engaging in mischief and unjust criticism of the current administration led by the people’s governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal (Gamjin Zamfara). Concluded Haidara.
