Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has come under fire for distributing a total of N50 million to former governors and deputy governors of the state in the spirit of Ramadan. According to sources, former Governor Ahmed Rufai Sani Bakura received N15 million, while former Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi was also given N15 million. Additionally, former deputy governors, Muktar Ahmed Anka and Ibrahim Wakala Muhammad, each received N10 million.

The Secretary to the Government of Zamfara State, Abubakar Nakwada, confirmed the distribution, which has sparked widespread criticism from residents. Many have expressed surprise that former Governor Bakura, who played a key role in introducing Sharia law in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept such a sum during a time of hardship.

“It’s shocking that former Governor Bakura, who introduced Sharia in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept money when the people of the state are suffering from extreme poverty and hunger,” one resident said.

Others have criticized Governor Lawal for what they see as a misuse of public funds in pursuit of his own political ambitions. “Those claiming to be in other political parties are undermining their integrity by accepting such payments. They have shown they cannot be trusted,” another resident remarked.

Some residents have also claimed that the distribution is against Sharia law and that the beneficiaries should be subjected to the law accordingly. The State Commissioner for Budget, Abdulmalik Gajam, who is also a son-in-law to former Governor Bakura, confirmed the transactions in an informal gathering.

Governor Lawal’s administration has been working on various projects, including road construction and urban renewal programs. However, the distribution of N50 million to former governors and deputy governors has raised questions about the prioritization of public funds.