From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau
Former governor of Zamfara state, Alh. Bello Matawallen Maradun has been described as the best governor the state had ever produced since the return of democracy to the country in 1999 as far as generosity and care for the people are concerned.
The accolade was poured by an APC stalwart in the state, Malan Lawali Hafizu while speaking with our correspondent in an interview in Gusau capital of the state during the week.
According to him,” apart from Ahmed Sani who ruled the state for consecutive eight years, none of the rest who ruled after him was as generous as Bello Matawallen Maradun.
He insisted that what he said cannot be disputed throughout Zamfara even if one is not a member of the current ruling Party (PDP) , but provided he or she is a bonafide member of the state. “Nobody can dispute the fact that Matawalle is generous during his four years stay in office as the executive governor even if there is enemity and hatred between you and him, because it is a matter of fact”, he stated.
Speaking further and to buttress his argument, the stalwart explained that during the administration of Matawallen Maradun which only lasted for four years, “a number of destitutes benefitted from the gesture of the former governor, especially in the health and education sectors.
He stated that the former governor, sponsored many people to various health institutions across the country and beyond thereby taking the responsibilities of their medical bills that ran into several millions of naira. He said, he also did his best in the area of security which gave way to farming activities for two years in the state,” he added.
Malan Lawanj further disclosed that among the reasons
the administration of Matawallen Maradun cannot be forgotten is for the fact that thousands of residents of the state did not have to buy even one measure of rice, millet or sorghum during annual Ramadan fast as there was provision of every thing needed for the common man in the society who could not afford any”. now tell me, (referring to this our reporter) what are witnessing today in Zamfara,” he asked. Today in Zamfara people are crying of thirst and hunger.
“Matawalle,stood by the side of the governed during his reign particularly in the areas mentioned above where, he sponsored more than 300 students to study
different courses of their choice at home and abroad, “and majority of them were from broken homes.”
