Zamfara ADC Asks Lawal to Account for N20bn-per-LGA Claim

The Zamfara chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked Gov. Dauda Lawal to give a detailed account of his claim that his administration has executed projects worth more than N20 billion in each of the state's 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

 

The State ADC Chairman, Kabiru Garba, made the demand in a statement issued in Gusau on Monday.

 

The governor had recently said his administration had executed over N20 billion worth of projects in each of the 14 LGAs.

In the statement, Garba said the party wanted the state government to publish a full record of capital projects carried out in the LGAs since the administration took office.

 

"The Zamfara chapter of the ADC is demanding that the State Government provide a comprehensive and verifiable account of capital projects executed across the 14 Local Government Areas of the state since the commencement of the present administration.

 

"As citizens of Zamfara and stakeholders in the political development of our dear state, we believe that government must be accountable to the people.

 

"Public resources belong to the people, and citizens have the right to know how such resources are being utilised and what tangible benefits they are receiving from government expenditure," he said.

 

Garba said the party had paid close attention to the governor's remarks.

 

"The ADC carefully listened to the governor's recent statement regarding the administration's investment of more than N20 billion in capital projects in each Local Government Area," he said.

 

He said that if the figure was accurate, it would represent a very significant public investment that should be properly documented and explained to the people of Zamfara.

 

"Therefore, on behalf of the ADC Zamfara chapter, I respectfully challenge the government to provide the people with a clear breakdown of these investments," Garba urged.

 

Responding, the Director-General, Media and Communications to the Zamfara Government, Malam Nuhu Anka, said the governor's statement was clear and well understood.

 

Anka said the claim of spending N20 billion in each of the 14 LGAs was accurate, citing ongoing infrastructure projects, including road networks, education and healthcare, across the local government areas.

 

"When you look at government spending on the security sector on a daily basis, on agriculture and empowerment projects in each of the 14 LGAs, you will understand the statement made by Gov. Dauda Lawal in this matter," he said.

 

He described the ADC's demand for an explanation as politically motivated.

 

"I think the ADC should concentrate on constructive criticism not based on political sentiment," Anka said.