Group Pressures Governor Dauda to Justify 12bn Security Expenditure in Two Weeks

A coalition of concerned citizens in Zamfara State, operating under the banner of Zamfara Concerned Citizens (ZCC), has issued a two-week ultimatum to Governor Dauda Lawal, demanding a full account of the reported 12 billion naira his administration has spent on tackling insecurity from January 2024 to date.

In a statement released by ZCC coordinator Yusuf Muhammad Gusau, the group called on Governor Lawal to provide a detailed and verifiable breakdown of the funds allocated over the past year.

This call for transparency arises amid widespread frustration over ongoing violence, abductions, and insecurity, with citizens claiming there has been no visible improvement in the state’s security situation.

The statement asserted that the people of Zamfara have seen little justification for such a substantial expenditure.

Gusau emphasised, “The people of Zamfara, who continue to suffer from poverty, lack of adequate public services, and ongoing security threats, deserve clear answers.”

The ZCC contends that the administration’s priorities appear misaligned, highlighting grievances over the continued lack of resources in essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Gusau criticised recent state expenditures on luxury vehicles, questioning the commitment of Lawal’s administration to the welfare of ordinary citizens.

“Our communities continue to grapple with the daily threat of violence,” the statement continued, “and it is deeply troubling that such a significant amount of public funds—allocated with the purpose of securing our lives—appears to have been spent without any meaningful impact.”

The ZCC reaffirmed its stance on government accountability, warning that Zamfara’s citizens will not tolerate the perceived mismanagement of public funds.

The group stressed the importance of Governor Lawal’s compliance with this ultimatum, describing it not only as a matter of financial transparency but as a critical step towards restoring public trust in the administration’s commitment to the welfare and safety of its citizens.