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Hardship: Group Decries As Gov Dauda Spends Over ₦1b on Luxury Cars for Chairmen
A civil society group, Zamfara Concerns Citizens, has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal for allocating over ₦1 billion for luxury vehicles for the state’s 14 local government chairmen amidst widespread poverty and deteriorating public services.
In a statement on Saturday, spokesperson Abdulmalik Lawali Gusau condemned the move, calling it “wasteful and insensitive.”
Gusau noted that Governor Lawal had previously criticised his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, for a similar purchase but is now spending double the amount under harsher economic conditions.
“When Matawalle purchased cars for council chairmen, emirs, and district heads, the economy was stable, and the minimum wage was being paid. Now, citizens are struggling to feed, yet this administration prioritises luxury vehicles over pressing needs,” Gusau said.
He further accused the governor of failing to improve the lives of residents despite substantial allocations to the state since the removal of the fuel subsidy.
“Zamfara State is not your personal company; you have no right to tamper with its resources recklessly. We demand good governance and accountability,” Gusau added.
Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s poorest states, suffers from dire healthcare and educational infrastructure, with 74% of its population living below the poverty line. Critics argue that the funds could have been better utilised to address these systemic issues.
“This decision shows shocking disregard for the struggles of ordinary citizens,” a local activist remarked. “Leadership should focus on improving lives, not indulging in unnecessary luxuries.”
The controversy has also drawn attention to Governor Lawal’s recent refusal to fund scholarships for 100 stranded Zamfara students in Cyprus, citing the ₦1.3 billion cost as excessive. Critics have pointed out the inconsistency in priorities, questioning the government’s commitment to addressing the state’s challenges.
Joseph Tegbe, director-general (DG) of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), says Nigeria will soon sign a deal on ‘Digital RMB’ with China to enable a direct conversion of naira to Chinese Yuan.
The digital renminbi (RMB) is a central bank digital currency issued by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China.
Speaking at the digital asset markets strategy masterclass series held recently in Lagos, Tegbe said the agreement is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on the United States dollar.
He described the pact as a major step in Nigeria’s transition from a trade relationship with China to a mutually-beneficial development partnership.
The NCSP DG also said Nigeria has secured over $30 billion in investment commitments and 300 expressions of interest from Chinese companies within the last five months.
Tegbe also noted the importance of leveraging Chinese technology, particularly in the digital asset market and knowledge transfer, adding that the NCSP remains committed to supporting the globalisation of Nigeria’s capital market.
The director-general outlined the objectives of the partnership, which include driving infrastructure development, scaling up Chinese investments, strengthening trade and economic ties, promoting transparency, and advancing cultural exchange between both countries.
Also speaking at the event, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said the state is developing a securitisation policy to monetise idle assets and raise green bonds to fund infrastructure needs.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Abayomi Oluyomi, the commissioner for finance, said Lagos will become the first sub-national in the country to implement such a policy.
In his remarks, Nicholas Okoye, convener of the masterclass and a global investment advisor, said the digital transformation ushered in by the fourth industrial revolution has impacted all sectors and will open new frontiers of wealth for investors, institutions, nations, and sub-nationals.
“The most strategic ecosystem of this digital transformation has got to be ‘Digital Asset Markets’, which includes investment in cryptocurrencies as well as the tokenisation (digitisation) of traditional asset classes,” Okoye said.
“The proposed full adoption of ‘Digital Asset Markets’ in Nigeria’s capital markets and subsequently across Africa is going to be a game changer for wealth creation and economic growth sustainability.
“In addition, it will completely redefine the future of African finance, investment and capital market industries.”
Okoye said the digital assets present a unique opportunity for Africans to build wealth regardless of location or profession, providing for the first time, an accurate reflection of Nigeria and Africa’s true wealth position.
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Making the event that marked the Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70, the Taraba State chapter of the NUJ Honour chief David Sabo Kente as the philanthropist man of the year
The award presentation was held in Jalingo, the state capital, at the grand finale of the NUJ Press Week celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr Eliud Jen, noted that the awards were carefully chosen base on concrete evidence of performance in various categories and meant to spur the awardees to do more.
Chief Kente, who was the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC, in 2023, has used his foundation, The DSK foundation, to help thousands of Taraban through scholarship, Small Medium Enterprises and lot more.
While congratulating the union for attaining 70 years, Kente called on government investors and everyone to give the union a support hand to enable its members to continue discharging their duties effectively.
Others who were awarded for outstanding performance are His Excellency Dr, Agbu Kefas the governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Yakubu Jafaru Chiroma, member representing Bali/Gassol Federal constituency, Dr Aisha Adamu, the CMD of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Hon. Aminu Hassan, ALGON chairman in the State, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, former Speaker of Taraba State and Professor Sunday Bako, Vice Chancellor Taraba State University Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Mary Sinjen, Commandant 6 Brigade Jalingo Gen. Kinsley Uwa and several others were also given recognition as friends of the press.
Kente further appreciated journalists for finding him worthy to be honour, emphasizing that the award will spur him to do more.
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has strongly denounced the ongoing violence in Nigeria’s Plateau and Benue states, describing the attacks by bandits as an “affront to natural justice” and a violation of human dignity.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the group’s convener, James Paul Adama, the forum called for an immediate end to the “relentless onslaught” against innocent civilians.
“This human carnage must stop,” Adama said, urging the government to take swift action to halt the attacks and support affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The group demanded that the perpetrators of these “atrocious acts” be brought to justice, stressing that all Nigerians deserve safety and security.
“The time for action is now,” the statement added.
While commending the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, the forum called for intensified measures to curb the violence.
“We ask that they redouble their efforts to nip this menace in the bud,” Adama said, acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel.
“Your courage and commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of our citizens are an inspiration to us all.”
The statement also highlighted the constitutional duty of the government and security forces to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerians, describing the violence as a threat not only to the affected communities but to the nation’s survival.