Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has vehemently denied allegations that he spent over N400 million on foreign trips within his first three months in office.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, branded the claims as “fabrications deliberately crafted by mischief-makers to distract the government.”
The online news report that ignited the controversy claimed Governor Lawal expended N170,276,294.31 on international travel and transportation, N221,567,094 on local travel, and N6,929,500.00 on private security during the period in question.
However, Idris clarified that the purported spending figures were erroneously attributed to Governor Lawal’s administration when they actually pertained to the previous administration’s budget.
He emphasized that the governor has only undertaken three official foreign trips since assuming office: attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States, a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, and a meeting with the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Regarding the UNDP Retreat in Kigali, Idris pointed out that it was organized by the Nigerian Governors Forum and fully funded by the UNDP. Therefore, no expenses were incurred by the Zamfara State government.
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The governor’s spokesperson further dismissed the claims of spending on private security services and Ramadan Fasting and Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) gifts, stating that these expenditures were not applicable to Governor Lawal’s administration.
Idris reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing that all relevant information is readily available on the official Zamfara State Government website. He underscored that the governor’s administration remains dedicated to fulfilling its promise of bringing about positive change for the people of Zamfara State.