The political environment in Zamfara State has entered a phase of heightened tension and uncertainty as Governor Dauda Lawal confronts a rising impeachment threat from the State House of Assembly. At the heart of the crisis is the controversial renovation of the Yariman Bakura Teaching Hospital in Gusau, which lawmakers allege has consumed an astonishing N9 billion—a figure they describe as grossly inflated and symptomatic of deeper issues of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency within the state government.
The Zamfara State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Hon. Bashar Gummi, has publicly accused Governor Lawal of misappropriating public monies. During a heated plenary session in Gusau, lawmakers questioned why the renovation of the teaching hospital, originally constructed and completed at a cost of about N1 billion under previous administrations, would now require nine times that amount for what they described as “mere painting” and superficial upgrades.
Assembly members wanted a detailed explanation from the executive branch within two weeks, threatening that failing to deliver sufficient answers would spark impeachment proceedings against the governor. The lawmakers’ mistrust was further exacerbated by the absence of precise financial records and the lack of obvious, corresponding improvements at the hospital site.
“How can a facility that cost N1 billion to build now require N9 billion just for renovation? This is an insult to the intellect of Zamfara people,” one lawmaker declared during the session.
The hospital project is merely one part of the Assembly’s criticisms. Lawmakers also raised questions about the N200 billion received by the state government as part of the federal government’s oil subsidy removal relief, as well as the management of N49 billion from the NG-CARES program, which was intended to empower thousands of youths—especially those displaced by banditry.
These financial worries are exacerbated by the state’s persistent security issue. Zamfara has been plagued by widespread banditry, kidnappings, and violent assaults, with several towns left destroyed and many homeless. Lawmakers accused the governor of nonchalance and neglecting to demonstrate empathy or give proper assistance to victims of abuse.
Hon. Aliyu Kagara, representing Talata Mafara South, decried the worsening security situation, citing a recent incident when thieves received N17 million in ransom from the Morai community but refused to release their prisoners, while the state administration remained inactive. The Assembly also condemned the governor’s administration of the Community Protection Guards, saying that members of the force were being murdered often without proper assistance or compensation from the state.
The impeachment threat comes amid a rising political crisis inside the Zamfara Assembly itself. The House of Assembly has divided into two competing groups after the suspension of 10 legislators by the present leadership. The breakaway group, headed by Bashar Gummi, claims that their suspension was illegitimate and that the current Speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki, lacks legitimacy after being impeached by a majority of members last year.
Both sides have requested that Governor Lawal re-present the 2025 budget and take serious action on insecurity within one month, or risk impeachment. The simultaneous sittings and opposing claims to legislative power have further destabilized the state’s government, with the executive and legislative branches now involved in a heated dispute.
“The state government appears indifferent to the suffering of the people. While instability and poverty overtake the state, enormous amounts are being spent on frivolities, and victims of bandit attacks are left without support,” a factional lawmaker stated.
Amid the turbulence, Governor Lawal has also been accused by civil society organizations and political opponents of abusing state money to launch a statewide and worldwide misinformation campaign. According to the Northern Patriots for Justice and Democracy (NPJD), the governor reportedly diverted over N10 billion from local government funds to bankroll media efforts aimed at diverting pressure from the president and presenting Zamfara as politically stable.
The organization argues that part of this strategy entails supporting phony civil society groups to wage smear campaigns against former governor Bello Matawalle and to alter public narratives in favor of the present government. These claims have been filed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation.
While the political drama develops, regular Zamfara citizens continue to face the brunt of the state’s challenges. The chronic instability has left many communities living in terror, with daily tales of kidnappings, extortion, and violence. The Assembly has chastised the governor for neglecting to make condolence visits to afflicted families or give substantial aid.
In the health sector, despite the governor’s recent release of nearly N1 billion worth of crucial pharmaceuticals and emergency response equipment to hospitals, opponents contend that these gestures pale in contrast to the enormity of the state’s health and security crisis. Opposition leaders contend that many victims of banditry are still unable to receive free medical treatment, contradicting official assertions.
The deepening situation has spurred demands from certain sectors for President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, following actions implemented in other difficult states. Civil society organizations warn that if the federal government fails to intervene, they will organize large rallies to call national attention to the alleged misuse of power and rising insecurity.
As the two-week ultimatum imposed by the Assembly comes to a close, all eyes are on Governor Lawal’s next action. Will he deliver the thorough answers and accountability requested by Congress, or will the situation grow into a full-blown impeachment battle?
Efforts to elicit formal comments from the state administration and the House of Assembly have so far been futile, with spokespersons refusing to comment or being inaccessible. The political future of Zamfara hangs in the balance, with the decision likely to have far-reaching ramifications for governance, stability, and the well-being of millions of citizens.
For now, the people of Zamfara are left to trust that their leaders would put openness, security, and public welfare above party fights and personal interests. The next weeks will decide whether the state can chart a new course—or sink farther into turmoil.
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