![Inside the Pinching Shoe of Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal, HOTPEN](https://hotpen.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_20231019_131428.jpg)
By Sani Ahmed Sambo
Governance can be likened to the proverbial “kitsen Rogo” in the Hausa adage. From a distance, it appears bright and attractive, but as you get closer, it becomes slippery and fictitious. Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara faces a unique challenge of inheriting a stagnant and ineffective system from the previous administration, which seemed more focused on destruction than development.
As a successful banker, Dauda Lawal possesses the necessary knowledge, experience, and technical know-how to lead and achieve organizational goals. He has a track record of excellence in his previous endeavors and can identify when a system is functioning properly or moving in reverse. He knows how to push the right buttons to get things working again.
With a keen interest in the progress of his home state, Dr. Dauda Lawal carefully observed the immediate past administration and those before it.
This led to his decision to contest for the position of governor, with a determination to rescue Zamfara no matter the cost. He was fully aware that he would inherit a severely damaged system that needed to be rebuilt from scratch. The state was filled with mediocre individuals and deceptive people who had over the past two decades manipulated religion for their own selfish gains.
The extent of the damage done to the state became clearer to Dr. Dauda Lawal after assuming leadership.
To truly appreciate his current efforts in revitalizing Zamfara, it is important to understand its previous state.
As of May 29th, 2023, the state had a mere 3 million Naira in its coffers, with workers being owed three and a half months’ salary. Water supply had ceased in the state capital, and the state owed NECO and WAEC close to 3 billion Naira. However, Governor Dauda Lawal managed to address these challenges within three months. Additionally, students on scholarship abroad were facing expulsion due to non-payment of their registration fees.
The state’s poorly constructed roads were in a terrible state of neglect, with numerous potholes everywhere. Socially, moral decadence was rampant, and insecurity was affecting every sector of Zamfara state. Then came Dauda Lawal, an innocent and well-established international business conglomerate with a sincere intention to serve humanity as Governor.
Changing the poor system in the state is therefore the first hurdle that Dauda must overcome to deliver the ideal leadership that will uplift Zamfara out of poverty, ignorance, insecurity, and setbacks.
However, this process inevitably involves stepping on toes and facing opposition from those who benefit from the retrogressive traditions that have plagued the state.
These individuals, found in various groups within society, are determined to discredit any government effort aimed at development. They twist and manipulate issues or innovations initiated by the government of Dauda Lawal to undermine its popularity.
While a few individuals lacking the ability to assess governance may believe and propagate these baseless criticisms, the majority of Zamfara people understand the true intentions of Dr. Dauda Lawal’s government. In deed gone are the days when people were silenced for speaking the truth openly. Under the new order, these individuals will be proven wrong as Dr. Dauda Lawal continues to implement commendable policies, programs, and projects.
However, the deafening silence of the elite, especially in the face of baseless criticism against the government, is concerning.
Those with sincere hearts and patriotism know that Zamfara desperately needs the kind of leadership that Dauda Lawal currently offers. A leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the common man and the downtrodden.
Under the new administration, Zamfara is gradually moving towards a brighter future, with a focus on development and progress.
Generally, Governor Dauda Lawal’s efforts are aimed at transforming the state and improving the lives of its people.
On this task, we are with Dauda Lawal and shall support his effort with prayers and anything at our disposal.
Surely victory Comes from God Almighty. May He grant us Victory over the current insecurity and many other social predicaments affecting our state.