THE Bashir Aliyu Gummi-led Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly has accused Governor Dauda Lawal of neglecting citizens amidst what it described as worsening insecurity across the state.
At a sitting on Thursday, Gummi faulted the governor for failing to commiserate with victims of recent attacks, instead proceeding on vacation while communities were under siege.
He cited several attacks within one week in Jangebe (Talata-Mafara), Damri (Bakura), Kyambarawa (Kaura Namoda), and Bungudu, where hundreds of residents were reportedly killed or abducted.
The lawmakers expressed dismay that no relief or condolence came from the state government, despite the violence and displacement meted out to thousands.
In separate contributions, members, including Aliyu Kagara, Ibrahim Tukur, Bashir Zango, and Faruk Dosara, criticised the governor for allegedly mismanaging the state’s security vote and failing to support the Community Protection Guards (CPGs).
They called for increased funding for CPGs, prompt payment of death benefits to families of slain personnel, and the deployment of more security forces to vulnerable areas.
The lawmakers also raised concerns about the alleged diversion of donor funds from agencies like the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) and demanded a probe into the utilisation of these resources.
A committee, chaired by Aliyu Kagara, was constituted to investigate the financial inflows and disbursements from donor agencies, with a mandate to report back to the House.
In a separate motion, the assembly discussed creating new local government areas to address administrative challenges and improve governance.
The proposed councils include Dansadau, Sauri, Mada, Jangebe, and Damri, among others, which would be carved out of existing LGAs across the state.
