Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State have raised concerns over what they describe as Governor Dauda Lawal’s alleged over-expenditure on public infrastructure projects, citing issues with financial transparency and accountability.
In a statement released on Monday, Abdullahi Adamu Kanwuri Gusau, a spokesperson for the PDP supporters, accused the state government of inflating costs for multiple projects, including road repairs, building refurbishments, and contract allocations to individuals with ties to the administration.
Gusau highlighted several examples, including a road rehabilitation project spanning 3.5 kilometers from Investment House to Bello Bara’u Roundabout, Tsohuwar Kasuwa, Masallacin Dan Larai, and Yar Dole.
He claimed that the project, which was supposed to be a repair rather than a new construction, was completed at a cost of ₦10 billion. Furthermore, a variation to the project resulted in an additional ₦9 billion, reportedly bringing the total cost to ₦19 billion.
He also pointed to another road project from Lalan to Yariman Bakura Hospital, which allegedly cost ₦17 billion for a stretch of 4 to 5 kilometers.
In addition, Gusau criticized the alleged ₦20 billion spent on the renovation of the JB Secretariat, which, according to him, mainly involved the replacement of blocks. Another renovation of a hall used for meetings with commissioners was reportedly completed at ₦19 billion.
The statement also brought attention to a controversial claim that the governor had allegedly removed Islamic scholars from their offices, which housed important religious books, to make way for his wife. The renovation of this office allegedly cost ₦8 billion.
Moreover, it was alleged that the governor awarded a ₦6 billion contract to his wife for the training of Askarawa (security personnel) and the provision of uniforms, further fueling the controversy.
His words : “Road construction from Investment House to Bello Bara’u Roundabout, Tsohuwar Kasuwa, Masallacin Dan Larai, and Yar Dole, covering 3.5 kilometers, was carried out at a cost of ₦10 billion.
” Additionally, a variation for the same road project increased the cost by ₦9 billion. Notably, this project was not new construction but a rehabilitation of an existing road.
“Another road construction project from Lalan to Yariman Bakura Hospital, spanning 4 to 5 kilometers, reportedly cost ₦17 billion.
“The renovation of the JB Secretariat was carried out at a cost of ₦20 billion, with the work allegedly limited to block replacements.
“A hall used for meetings with commissioners was also (allegedly) renovated, with the project costing ₦19 billion.”
“Controversially, the governor is accused of removing Islamic scholars from their office, which housed Islamic books, and reallocating the space to his wife. The renovation of this office reportedly cost ₦8 billion.”
