By Philemon Amos

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, disclosed that his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, left a meager N4 million in the state account. Lawal further revealed that he has been operating the state on borrowed funds as there was no significant amount in the treasury when he assumed office. Additionally, he highlighted the non-payment of four months’ salaries and the impact on senior secondary school students who have been unable to take important exams.Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, expressed his concerns over the financial situation inherited from his predecessor, Bello Matawalle. Lawal revealed that the state had accumulated significant debts, leading to unpaid salaries for workers and outstanding allowances for security agencies. He emphasized the impact of the financial crisis on senior secondary school students who were unable to sit for important exams. Refuting claims of N20 billion left in the state’s treasury, Lawal called for evidence to substantiate such claims. He acknowledged the challenges faced in providing essential services such as water supply due to financial constraints. However, he assured civil servants that efforts would be made to pay their salaries before the Eid-l-Kabir festival, depending on the availability of loans and the state’s financial capacity.