Former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has denied claims by Governor Dauda Lawal that he left only ₦4 million in the state treasury at the end of his administration.
Speaking to journalists in Maradun Local Government Area, Matawalle asserted that he handed over ₦29 billion in the state coffers, adding that all necessary records are available to prove the claim.
He criticized Governor Lawal for “going from one media house to another” rather than focusing on governance and tackling the challenges affecting the state.
He also addressed issues surrounding the NG-CARES programm, stating that his administration had fulfilled all requirements to access ₦100 billion under the scheme before leaving office.
However, the funds were delayed and only disbursed after Governor Lawal took office.
“That’s why ₦49 billion was released to Governor Dauda Lawal later,” he said.
“Kabiru Gayari is here, and he can testify to that.”
1Matawalle explained that the programme was meant to support every indigene of Zamfara with ₦250,000 monthly for eight months and that the funds were meant to serve the people directly.
On the broader issue of national finances, he claimed that following the removal of fuel subsidy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦20 billion monthly for each state governor, including Governor Lawal.
“If you calculate ₦20 billion for 12 months, how much is that? Even throughout my four years as governor, I never received such funds,” he claimed.
Matawalle maintained that he never owed salaries, employed more teachers and workers, renovated the Government House, and constructed government lodges in Kaduna and Abuja — though he alleged they are now being rented out by the current administration.
He also criticized the Lawal administration for abandoning the Ruga settlement project in Maradun simply because it is his hometown, despite the progress made, including housing and electricity extension.
“Because it’s in Maradun, the governor has abandoned it,” he claimed.
1Reflecting on his legacy, Matawalle said he remains proud of his contributions both as governor and now as a minister.
“Even if I don’t become governor again, God has protected my dignity,” he said.
Reporting by Aminu Dalhatu