Citizens of Zamfara State, represented by Zamfara Professionals in Abuja, are calling on the State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, to prioritize good governance to rescue the State from underdevelopment and insecurity.
During a dinner with the Governor in Abuja on Wednesday night, the majority of the Professionals, who are civil servants in federal ministries and workers in private establishments in FCT, emphasized the need for the new State government to focus on security, education, and agriculture, in order to enhance the living conditions of the people of Zamfara and foster comprehensive development in the State.
Responding to comments and inquiries from the Zamfara Professionals, Governor Lawal acknowledged that the state he inherited was financially destitute when he assumed power on May 29.
The governor expressed, “In the history of our state, I believe this is the first occasion where we have professionals and people of Zamfara State engaging in interactive discussions.
“I am delighted to hear some of the remarks made. It is truly remarkable.
“The Zamfara State we inherited is in a dire state. When we took over, Zamfara was bankrupt with nothing remaining.
“We inherited numerous problems.”
The governor, however, guaranteed that things would change for the better through new initiatives implemented by his administration.
Lawal, who stated that he inherited a backlog of three-month salary arrears without any funds to cater for the civil servants in the State, disclosed that at the time he assumed office, the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) Senior School Certificate Examination had already concluded, preventing Zamfara students from sitting for it.
“Fortunately for us, NECO (National Examinations Council) is about to commence and if we don’t take any action, the children may be unable to take the exam,” he remarked.
He disclosed that although the state owed WAEC approximately N1.6 billion and NECO about N1.4 billion, causing students to miss previous exams, his government recently settled NECO’s debt.
“This is something that can be verified. Besides security, education is crucial because without education, we are going nowhere,” added the Governor.
He disclosed that his administration had commenced the reconstruction of primary schools and focused on enhancing the capacity of teachers to boost their productivity.
He mentioned that upon his assumption of office, Zamfara had an oversized government structure with 28 ministries, which has now been reduced to 16 in order to minimize the cost of governance.
The governor, while expressing disappointment with the condition of the hospitals in the state, emphasized his commitment to changing the situation.
Consequently, he sought the support of the Zamfara Professionals in order to develop the state for the benefit of the people.
Governor Lawal highlighted that as part of efforts to tackle the security challenge in the State, he recently met with the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to seek their assistance for Zamfara State.
He also informed that he held meetings with officials from the European Union and the World Bank regarding issues of insecurity, education, health, and infrastructure development, and these global institutions expressed their willingness to support the State.
“I appeal to you to represent us well, so that Zamfara comes first in everything you do.
“We cannot do it alone. We need the support of everyone to change the fortunes of Zamfara State.
“I urge all of you to continue praying for peace and prosperity in our dear state
“I am open to discussions, I am open to advice, and together, we shall build a better Zamfara,” stated the Governor.
Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and a native of Zamfara State, congratulated the governor on his electoral victory.
Shinkafi affirmed, “We, on this side, are ready to assist our state in whatever capacity we find ourselves in.”
He assured that federal civil servants from the state would remain apolitical.
The Grand Khadi of FCT, Alhaji Ibrahim Rufai-Imam, urged the people of Zamfara State to embrace unity and disregard their local government of origin.
“Let us unite and work towards moving the state forward.
“We need to continue praying for the state to overcome its present challenges,” he stated.