Amid speculation of an imminent cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu, Zamfara State Governor Dr Dauda Lawal has condemned his predecessor, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for using the state as a platform to relaunch his political career.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Mahmud Muhammad Abdullahi, Governor Lawal described Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, as a “dysfunctional minister” who has failed to move on from his 2023 electoral defeat.

The statement was in response to a viral video where Matawalle criticized Lawal for appointing non-indigenes into his cabinet and allegedly turning the Government House into a public space.
Speaking during a visit from APC supporters across eight local government areas, Matawalle accused the governor of failing to provide good governance.

Governor Lawal dismissed the comments as baseless and immature, saying, “Rather than focusing on his ministerial duties, Matawalle remains obsessed with a mandate he lost due to poor performance, public rejection, and arrogance.”

He added, “It is embarrassing for a Minister of State for Defence to politicize insecurity. Under Matawalle’s watch, banditry and kidnappings were rampant.

“In contrast, this administration has achieved relative peace through effective collaboration with federal security agencies and community intelligence.”

Lawal reiterated his administration’s focus on competence, inclusivity, and results, noting over 120 key projects executed across the 14 LGAs in two years, including roads, schools, healthcare, and water infrastructure.

He dismissed Matawalle’s achievements as superficial, citing unpaid salaries, debts, abandoned projects, and an empty treasury.

“We inherited a looted state and are now restoring accountability. Every kobo is accounted for,” the governor stated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding Zamfara, stating that his government prioritizes real development over propaganda and political distraction.