The Zamfara State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mallam Wadatau Madawaki, has resigned from his position, citing the planned defection of Governor Dauda Lawal to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Madawaki confirmed his resignation in a telephone conversation with Channels Television on Monday.
He explained that his decision was based on political principles, stressing that he remained a loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“I only resigned because the governor is joining the APC. I’m a PDP member, I’ve never been an APC member and I’m not ready to be an APC member,” he said.
The former commissioner dismissed claims that he was pressured to step down, stating that his resignation was voluntary.
“The governor has never forced anyone to resign. Even during the stakeholders’ meeting, he said nobody will be forced to join the party.
“I only resigned because I think it is an honourable thing to do,” Madawaki added.
Governor Lawal has accepted the commissioner’s resignation.
The Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, announced that the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, had been directed to oversee the Ministry of Education in an acting capacity.
The governor expressed confidence in Gajam’s ability to ensure stability and continuity in the state’s education sector.
He also appreciated Madawaki for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.
On March 9, Governor Lawal announced his decision to defect from the PDP to the APC.
According to his media aide, Nuhu Anka, the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders and supporters across the state.
Anka explained that the move was taken after careful consideration in the interest of stability and development in Zamfara State.
“After careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and sustainable development of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress,” the statement said.
The governor attributed the decision to the prolonged internal crisis and leadership disagreements within the PDP at both national and state levels.
The statement added that the governor believed aligning with a political platform that promotes unity and cooperation with the Federal Government would enhance security and development in the state.
According to the governor, such collaboration would help deliver democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara.