When a State Inherits ₦4 Million and Mountains of Debt – The Zamfara Tragedy

In a revelation as damning as it is tragic, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State recently confirmed what many had feared: the treasury of the state he inherited in May 2023 contained a disgraceful ₦4 million. Yes, you read that right — four million naira. Not dollars. Not even enough to run a modest government office for a month. What he inherited alongside that were liabilities that reek of deep-rooted rot and elite impunity.

It is a painful reminder of the consequences of unchecked governance and the price ordinary Nigerians continue to pay for the greed of a few.

Former Governor Bello Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, left behind what Governor Lawal described as “unbelievable” financial commitments — unpaid contracts, spiraling debts, and ghost projects. Meanwhile, the state has remained one of the poorest, most insecure, and least developed in the country. Yet, billions were supposedly spent.

So we must ask: Where did the money go?

Beyond Political Finger-Pointing

While some may be tempted to dismiss Lawal’s claims as routine political scapegoating — the kind that comes with every new administration — the figures are too stark, the situation too dire. Zamfara is not just broke; it is bleeding. The truth is, we have heard this story before, in too many states, with too few consequences.

What is different now is that Lawal, a former banker and technocrat, is blowing the whistle in real time, not years after the fact. If he is to be taken seriously, he must go beyond media outrage and ensure a full forensic audit is conducted and the findings made public.

Accountability Must Not Die in Politics

It is shameful that former public officials accused of mismanaging billions can still walk freely, get rewarded with federal appointments, and even contest elections. Nigeria cannot afford to normalize this impunity.

Governor Lawal must demand accountability through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the courts. If Bello Matawalle and his appointees truly left the state bankrupt, then Nigerians deserve a transparent, legal reckoning — not just headlines.

The Bigger Crisis – Governance Without Consequence

Zamfara is one of Nigeria’s most troubled states. Banditry runs wild, infrastructure is broken, and young people have lost hope. Yet, rather than addressing these issues, leaders past and present seem more interested in trading blame or sharing political appointments.

If Lawal is serious about rebuilding Zamfara, this moment must mark a turning point — not only for his administration but for the principle of governance itself. Let Zamfara be the state that didn’t just cry “empty treasury,” but actually held someone accountable.

Anything less would be business as usual.

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Naija247news Editorial Board
For the People. For the Truth. For Accountability.