The current governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has made grave accusations against Bello Matawalle, his predecessor.
In a statement on Thursday by his spokesperson, Sulaimon Bala Idris, Governor Lawal pointed out irregularities in the awarding of contracts for the airport in Gusua, the state capital, which he claims resulted in an alleged misappropriation of funds amounting to over N6 billion.
He alleged that the previous administration, under Bello Matawalle, misappropriated billions of naira from the project.
Not only has Governor Lawal accused his predecessor of financial malfeasance, but he has also accused him of plundering state property.
He alleges that Bello Matawalle stole 17 official cars and other items from the state government house, including TVs and stoves.
The charges go beyond money-related issues. The security situation in Zamfara State has also led to a verbal battle between the two leaders.
Governor Lawal chastised his predecessor for failing to handle the state’s insecurity issues during his administration, while former Governor Matawalle accused Lawal of pursuing “a political vendetta” against him rather than concentrating on the security issues facing the region.
It remains unclear how these accusations would affect Zamfara State’s and Nigeria’s political climate overall as they develop.