“Resign If You’re Dissatisfied” – Zamfara Gov Tells Appointees

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has told political office holders who believe they have not benefited from his administration to resign.

Lawal made the remarks on Saturday at a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the Government House in Gusau.

The governor was responding to complaints from some stakeholders, including political appointees, youths and women, over alleged neglect and lack of welfare under his administration.

He specifically challenged commissioners and other political officeholders who were dissatisfied with what they had received from the government to resign from their appointments.

“There are some political office holders who complain that they have not gotten anything. That is not true. Even among the commissioners, anyone who feels he is not getting anything should resign,” he said.

Lawal said his administration had, over the past three years, prioritised governance, infrastructure and projects designed to deliver long-term benefits to residents rather than concentrating on political activities.

According to him, government records indicated that infrastructure projects worth more than N20 billion had been executed in each of the state’s 14 local government areas during the period.

The governor said the administration would now devote more attention to politics after spending its first three years on governance, infrastructure development and efforts to restore relative peace in the state.

“For three years, we have focused on governance. Now it is time to return to politics, because it’s time has come,” Lawal said.

He acknowledged that the government had erred by failing to publicise the names of contractors handling various projects, promising that the information would soon be made available.

Lawal also acknowledged the contributions of some APC stakeholders, including Reps Abdulmalik Zannah, Ahmadu Mai-Palace, Aminu Jaji and Bello Hassan, who he said had provided various empowerment materials for residents, particularly youths.

The governor urged party members and stakeholders to remain patient, assuring them that the concerns raised at the meeting would be addressed.

He also called for unity among APC members in Zamfara, urging them to move away from factional politics based on individual political camps.

“From today, please, let us stop the politics of so-and-so’s houses. Let us come together as one party with the same vision. The talk of Dauda’s house, Matawalle’s house or Shehi’s house should stop.

“Let us unite and stay under one house, because it is Allah who has brought us together in His grace,” he said.

On youth empowerment, Lawal said his administration had trained at least 3,000 youths in various skills.

He added that the government had also provided transport fares and supported graduates with initiatives aimed at helping them become self-reliant, saying a monthly register of beneficiaries was being maintained.

The governor further disclosed plans to meet former Zamfara governors Ahmad Yarima, Mamuda Shinkafi, Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Matawalle in Abuja to harmonise and compile the list of members who would serve on the APC Campaign Council in the state.

He urged party members not to feel excluded if they did not make the final list.

“Please, even if you don’t see your name, don’t think you are not important. By Allah’s grace, everyone is important; it’s just that not everyone can be included,” he said.

Lawal assured stakeholders that their concerns had been documented and promised that the government would develop measures to ensure broader participation and benefits.

“All the complaints have been noted. I have heard them, and I have taken note of them.

“We will come up with plans so that everyone will benefit, by the grace of Allah. Whoever has something in his heart should be patient,” Lawal pleaded.