Minister’s aide calls Zamfara governor a ‘pathological liar’ over claims of empty state treasury
Comrade Anas Abdullahi Kaura, an aide to the ex-Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, has labelled the current governor, Dauda Lawal, a “pathological liar” for making false claims about the state’s finances....READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE | READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE...
Kaura, who also served as the special adviser on urban and regional planning during Matawalle’s administration, refuted Lawal’s allegations that the state’s coffers were empty when he assumed office in May 2023.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Kaura insisted that Matawalle left over N25.9 billion in the state’s treasury, challenging Lawal to provide evidence to the contrary.
The controversy emerged after Lawal’s exclusive interview with Arise News, where he claimed that he inherited just N4 million in the state’s account, along with mounting debts and a dysfunctional administration.
Kaura dismissed Lawal’s accusations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.
He went on to provide a detailed breakdown of the funds left by Matawalle, which included N2.65 billion in the ACRESAL account, N14.33 billion in bond balance, N6.3 billion in UBE grants, and N2.7 billion in NG-Cares funds.
“If Lawal claims he met only N4 million, how did he manage to pay workers and clear debts, as he claimed during his interview?” Kaura questioned.
He further accused Governor Lawal of being more focused on consolidating his power than addressing the state’s critical issues.
Kaura pointed to increasing insecurity, hunger, and unpaid salaries as key problems that Lawal had failed to address.
“Other governors, like Uba Sani of Kaduna and the Sokoto State governor, are commissioning projects, while Lawal is flying to Abuja and abroad, enjoying himself,” Kaura said.
Kaura also defended Matawalle, who is now the Minister of State for Defence, stating that he is focused on national duties assigned by President Bola Tinubu and is unfazed by Lawal’s accusations.
“How can anyone believe that a governor would leave only N4 million in the state account? Lawal has made himself a laughingstock,” he concluded.