The government of Zamfara State has issued a formal response to a recent article by Sahara Reporters, which alleged that the current administration, led by Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal, has taken on loans. This report is reportedly in direct contradiction to the governor’s earlier assertions made during a press briefing, where he confidently stated that Zamfara State possesses the financial capability to initiate and complete any project without facing financial constraints, and that no loans had been taken under his administration.
In a detailed and robust rebuttal, the Zamfara State government clarified that the loans referenced by Sahara Reporters were accrued during the tenure of former Governor Bello Matawalle, who is currently serving as the Minister of State for Defence. This distinction is crucial, as it places the responsibility for the state’s outstanding debts squarely on the previous administration.
Hon. Abdulmalik Gajam, the Zamfara Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, vehemently condemned the allegations presented by Sahara Reporters, labelling them as misleading and unfounded. He characterised the article as ‘sensationalist, even going so far as to describe it as “gonzo journalism’; a term commonly used to refer to a style of journalism that blends factual reporting with subjective narrative.
Gajam explained that the budget for 2023, which was scrutinised in the Sahara report, was crafted during the Matawalle administration and featured an allocation of ₦53.2 billion earmarked solely for servicing the debts inherited from that government. This critical clarification emphasises that Governor Lawal has not undertaken any new borrowing since he took office.
Furthermore, Gajam urged Sahara Reporters to redirect any inquiries related to these loans and their intended purposes to former Governor Matawalle, who was responsible for securing these financial resources. He pointed out that many of the loans obtained during Matawalle’s administration have failed to deliver the anticipated developmental impacts, reiterating that the current government’s obligation to manage these debts stems exclusively from borrowings made by the previous administration.
The state government also highlighted several significant discrepancies in the way Sahara Reporters portrayed financial information, particularly regarding their interpretation of the state’s officially documented budget. Gajam issued a challenge to the publication, requesting that they provide any documentary evidence to back their claims that the Lawal administration has sought or acquired new loan facilities—whether on a domestic or international front. He stated unequivocally that no such evidence exists.
In conclusion, the Zamfara government reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and responsible fiscal management. The administration expressed its intent to clarify these important issues for the public, emphasising the necessity of understanding the historical context surrounding the state’s current financial situation. By doing so, they aim to ensure that the citizens are accurately informed about the state’s financial health and the integrity with which their government operates.
