The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the Zamfara State government’s claim of embezzlement of billions of naira in the cargo airport project, saying, the allegation was baseless and unfounded as records on the level of progress of the project were available.
A statement issued by the APC spokesman, Yusuf Idris said accusations of Governor Dauda Lawal were wrong and aimed at attacking his predecessor, Bello Matawalle.
“We will want to categorically state that since government is a continuous process, Mr. Lawal is aware of the actual and true position of things on the matter but chose to deceive the public due to hatred and disdain he has for Matawalle,” the statement said.
The APC spokesman further said feeding the public with false information would never cover up failure, especially in addressing the insecurity in the state where bandits have virtually taken over control.
He wondered how a serious governor would engage in street dancing in far-away Imo state, while killing of innocent citizens was going on in his state.
Governor Lawal as a retired banker fully knows that the cargo airport contract was based on what is called ‘contract financing’ which was the case between the Zamfara State government and private entities whereby funding banks had to assess every step of progress of work being carried out, and raise certificate before payment is effected.
According to the statement, before Matawalle left office, significant progress was recorded on the project.
“To put the records straight therefore, our people need to know that payment was made on the project through which comprised many components, making a composite attainment of over 30 percent stage of work completed, since the project is open for public scrutiny, Zamfara people are free to go and see for themselves,” it added.
