The Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has challenged the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state to respond directly to allegations made by Governor Dauda Lawal against Minister of State, Defence, Bello Matawalle.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Haliru Andi, the party said instead of addressing the critical issues at hand, the APC has opted to deflect by criticizing Governor Lawal for highlighting years of APC misrule.
The statement read: “We challenge the APC to engage with the facts and tell the public that the allegations labelled against Matawalle are untrue.
“It is imperative that the APC know that PDP and Governor Lawal will not relent in our pursuit of justice for the people of Zamfara State, regarding the embezzlement of public funds under Matawalle’s administration. Their attempts to evade these pressing concerns will not succeed.
“We urge the APC to address the issues directly rather than continuing their pattern of evasion. The people of Zamfara deserve accountability and transparency, and the PDP will persist in our demand for justice.
“Isn’t it true that Matawalle left only four million Naira for Governor Dauda Lawal, despite receiving substantial allocations from the Federal Government, with nothing to show in terms of developmental projects?
“Isn’t it true that Matawalle intentionally left a three-month backlog of salaries for Zamfara State civil servants, without offering any apology?
“Isn’t it true that Matawalle failed to settle NECO and WAEC registration fees for our students for four years, leaving our children roaming the streets with no hope for their education?
“Isn’t it true that the APC-led administration refused to pay pensions and gratuities to retired civil servants for over ten years, amounting to over 13.6 billion Naira in unpaid benefits and leading to the loss of many lives?
“Isn’t it true that Matawalle refused to pay electricity bills for all MDAs, including the Government Gouse, leading to disconnection by KEDCO?
“Isn’t it true that Gusau, the State capital, went without a single drop of water for five months due to Matawalle’s failure to pay for electricity and provide necessary resources for water treatment?
“Isn’t it true that Matawalle left students on foreign scholarships stranded by failing to pay their tuition and upkeep?
“Isn’t it true that Matawalle sold government houses in Gada Biu and Kaduna to friends and associates without following due process?
“Isn’t it true that our hospitals are in dire condition across the State, including in the hometowns of two former governors, Talatar Mafara and Maradun LGAs?
“We also bring to attention the allegation regarding a 70 billion Naira corruption case against Matawalle currently under investigation by the EFCC. Isn’t it true that this significant corruption case further highlights the need for accountability and transparency in governance?
“All these allegations against the APC and former Governor Matawalle are valid, and we dare the opposition to come forward and deny them if they are untrue.
“If they fail to do so, we expect a public apology to the good people of Zamfara State. Our people deserve clarity on this matter, and we urge the APC to address it directly”
“Can the APC deny that Governor Dauda Lawal has resolved all the allegations outlined above against Matawalle in just one year?
“Therefore, the APC should acknowledge and thank Governor Dauda Lawal for addressing these critical issues and for his commitment to providing good governance”
“The PDP stands ready to continue advocating for accountability and transparency for the benefit of all Zamfara citizens.”