Zamfara forum commends Matawalle’s road legacy, slams Gov Dauda for misleading public

The Zamfara Central Integrity Forum (ZCIF) has praised former Governor Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle for what it called his extensive and impactful road infrastructure projects across the state.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Kamal Ibrahim Gusau, on Wednesday, the forum accused Governor Dauda Lawal of misleading the public by exaggerating the scale and cost of road projects within Gusau, the state capital.

According to the forum, Matawalle’s administration executed road construction across all 14 local government areas of Zamfara, unlike the current government which, it said, has only focused on Gusau and even then with questionable results.

“Matawalle delivered road projects that connected rural and urban areas alike, transforming transportation and access for our people,” the statement said.

“He achieved this at a cost of ₦70 to ₦80 million per kilometre, whereas Governor Dauda is now spending as much as ₦7 billion for a single kilometre with very little to show.”

The forum highlighted several projects under Matawalle’s administration, including the Canteen Daji dual carriageway, Nasarawa Area Road behind Gusau Hotel, and a new road linking Cediya Ukku, Gidan Mayana, Tullukawa, and Anka Road.

Also listed were roads such as Sokoto Road to Janyau ta Gabas, Sardauna Biredi Road, Cocin Kwano to Tankin Ruwa, Inno Doya Road, and major rural access roads like Yandoton Daji to Bedi and Mada to Ruwa Bore.

ZCIF said these projects were executed transparently and with clear impact, unlike the current administration’s “half-baked” roads which they described as lacking in scope, quality, and value for money.

Governor Dauda Lawal has repeatedly claimed progress in infrastructure, particularly in Gusau.

The group said Governor Dauda Lawal Dare’s road construction claims have come under scrutiny, as investigations reveal that the projects are limited to Gusau, the state capital, and span less than 7 kilometres in total.

“Alarmingly, each kilometre is reportedly costing over ₦7 billion, raising concerns about corruption and lack of transparency.

“In comparison, former Governor Bello Matawalle executed widespread road projects across all 14 local government areas in Zamfara.

“These roads connected remote communities to essential services and were built at a far lower cost—₦70 to ₦80 million per kilometre.

“Matawalle’s projects were not only more extensive but also seen as inclusive and development-oriented. They enhanced access to healthcare, education, markets, and security, showing a clear commitment to grassroots impact.

“Rather than address these discrepancies, Dauda Lawal is reportedly plotting a defection to the APC.

” Many see this move as an attempt to avoid scrutiny amid growing corruption allegations tied to past associations with figures like Diezani Alison-Madueke and Godwin Emefiele.”

Speaking further he said ,”This political manoeuvring casts doubt on Dauda Lawal’s integrity. Once known for promising reform, his current actions suggest a shift away from accountability and transparency.

“Zamfara citizens are now demanding better leadership—leaders who prioritise real development and fiscal responsibility over inflated contracts and political gamesmanship.

However, the forum insists that all the roads he touts do not exceed a total of 5 to 7 kilometres and fail to match the scale or quality of Matawalle’s work.

“None of the projects under Governor Dauda’s leadership extend to the local government areas. This neglect contrasts sharply with Matawalle’s inclusive approach to development,” the statement added.

The forum also questioned why, despite receiving significant federal allocations, the Lawal administration has failed to extend development beyond the capital.

ZCIF urged the people of Zamfara to demand accountability and transparency, stressing the need for equitable development that benefits all parts of the state.

“Zamfara deserves better than propaganda and inflated contracts. We must build on a legacy of true development, not deception,” the forum said.