The incumbent governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has accused his predecessor and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of being in possession of N70 billion belonging to the state. Indeed, Lawal alleged, the N70bn is a child’s play when compared to alleged indicting evidence of financial misappropriation under Matawalle’s administration from 2019 to 2023.
Lawal, who appeared on a national television station, TVC, on Wednesday, said, “In May 2023, there was this allegation of misappropriation of N70bn. We realised that the N70bn was a child’s play, compared to what we have. This information is before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and I wonder how this guy was cleared by the security operatives to become a minister.
“We are still waiting to hear from the EFCC; the case has been on for a year now. This is people’s money; we need the money in Zamfara to address the challenges we are facing.”
Lawal also alleged that Matawalle has undeniable links with terrorism in the country.
In recent times, Matawalle has been alleged to have procured vehicles for bandit leaders, including a notorious kingpin, Bello Turji, and others while serving as Zamfara State Governor.
Speaking on the allegation, Governor Lawal said, “If I were him (Matawalle), I would resign and face all the allegations against me because, from all the information we are getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of this banditry.”
Lawal insisted that the former governor kept terrorists at the Zamfara Government House, and that in some instances, ransom was paid to terrorists through the government.
A presidential aide contacted to speak on the matter declined comment.
“You will get the answer to your question when the President announces the new cabinet list soon,” the source said.
