Matawalle’s camp fires back: Ex-Commissioner Labels Zamfara Gov. Dauda Lawal’s TV Interview as “Tissue of Lies”
By Hussaina Yakubu
April 20, 2025
Former Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara, has debunked claims made by Governor Dauda Lawal during a recent interview on Arise Television, describing them as “deliberate falsehoods” aimed at discrediting the administration of former Governor Bello Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna on Sunday, Dosara said the interview, aired on April 14, was riddled with inaccuracies and misrepresentations about the financial and security state of Zamfara when Governor Matawalle left office in 2023.
Contrary to Governor Lawal’s claim that he inherited only N4 million in the treasury
Dosara listed the funds left behind by the Matawalle administration as,N14 billion in bond proceeds,N2.6 billion World Bank accruals,N6.3 billion UBE grants
He said N2.7 billion in NG-CARES investment, which reportedly yielded N42 billion for the current administration.
Salaries and Security
Dosara clarified that only three months of workers’ salaries were unpaid at handover, not the “four and a half months” claimed by Governor Lawal.
He blamed the shortfall on Lawal’s refusal to allow banks continue salary facilities due to the state’s financial situation at the time.
On security, the former commissioner challenged Lawal’s assertion that bandit attacks have ceased, pointing to ongoing violence in places like Morai and Tsafe.
He accused the Governor of misleading the public and downplaying the efforts of the federal government, particularly the establishment of the Command and Control Centre in Sokoto on President Tinubu’s directive.
Minimum Wage Controversy
Dosara said the N7,000 monthly payment cited by Lawal was a youth social intervention scheme, not a civil service salary.
He noted that the N30,000 wage template was designed by Matawalle’s administration before Lawal came into office.
He also criticized the delayed implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage, saying Zamfara was one of the last states to comply and that the increment was poorly executed.
Education Claims Disputed
He further refuted Lawal’s claim of clearing WAEC and NECO debts, asking why many Zamfara youths remain unable to join NYSC or security agencies due to lack of certificates.
Contradictions on Infrastructure
Dosara said Governor Lawal contradicted himself by claiming there were no motorable roads when he assumed office, yet also said roads in rural areas were good enough for donkeys.
He concluded by accusing the governor of repeatedly using media platforms to misinform the public, citing previous interviews with BBC, Channels, and TVC.(NAN)