The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, as a great performer and achiever, citing records in the public domain to justify its claim.
Recently, Governor Dauda Lawal criticized Matawalle for allegedly leaving the State’s treasury in disarray, claiming over N250 billion was unaccounted for upon taking office.
However, HURIWA dismissed Lawal’s claims as baseless and lacking concrete evidence, labeling them as an attempt to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.
HURIWA in a release signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, its National Coordinator, highlighted Matawalle’s notable achievements during his tenure as governor, including:
– Infrastructure Development: Construction of an airport, roads, and healthcare facilities across Zamfara State.
– Security Infrastructure: Purchase of Hilux vehicles and ambulances, installation of solar-powered street lights in the state capital.
– Healthcare: Construction of primary healthcare centers in all 147 wards, significant investments in education.
– Economic Development: Settlement of backlogs of payments for NECO and WAEC examinations.
These achievements stand in stark contrast to Governor Lawal’s administration, which has faced controversies over frivolous spending and accusations of corruption.
The rights group also highlighted reports that Governor Lawal’s administration approved N19 billion for the procurement of kitchen equipment for the office of the First Lady, Huriyya Dauda Lawal, a move that has sparked outrage among citizens.
Critics have condemned the extravagant spending amid widespread poverty and displacement in the State. HURIWA questioned the transparency and accountability of such an expenditure, especially when juxtaposed with the achievements of Matawalle’s administration.
HURIWA also stressed the need for accountability and transparency in government spending, particularly concerning the questionable ₦19 billion kitchen equipment expenditure.
During Matawalle’s tenure as Governor, Zamfara State received N354 billion in revenue, with N136 billion, 800 million spent on salaries and allowances. The remaining balance of N109, 829,000 was utilized for capital projects, including:
– Security: Purchase of 200 Hilux security vehicles, armoured security vehicles, ambulances, and drones.
– Healthcare: Construction of special primary health centers, general hospitals, and primary healthcare centers.
– Infrastructure: Cargo airport, solar electricity installation, state liaison offices, governors’ lodges, and township roads.
HURIWA questions the transparency and accountability of Governor Lawal’s administration, urging him to provide empirical evidence to support his claims.
