Fake News Alert: Zamfara Governor Did Not Spend Over N400 Million On Foreign Trips

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has refuted the false claim that he spent over N400 million on foreign trips.

An online newspaper erroneously reported that Governor Dauda Lawal spent N170,276,294.31 on international travel & transport, N221,567,094 on local travel, and N6,929,500.00 on private security within three months. 

However, a statement by the Governor's spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, on Thursday, said the story was fabricated deliberately by mischief-makers to distract the government.

He explained that the misinformation arises from deliberate misinterpretation of budget data, adding that the First, Second and Third Quarters fall under the immediate past administration.

The statement reads in parts: “We read a report alleging that Governor Dauda Lawal spent over N400 million on foreign trips. This is false and an attempt to tarnish the Governor's image."

“The principles of transparency and accountability are the foundation of Governor Dauda Lawal's government. All relevant information can be found on the official website of the Zamfara State Government at zamfara.gov.ng.

“Published on the official website is a detailed report on the budget performance, which provides a breakdown of the Governor's spending on trips and other activities. Under Governor Dauda Lawal, we have implemented a system of complete transparency and accountability, leaving no room for misuse of funds."

“It is therefore important to clarify that Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has only undertaken three official foreign trips since he assumed office on May 29, 2023. The three foreign trips were: attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States of America; a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Retreat in Kigali, Rwanda; and a meeting with the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire."

“Furthermore, the retreat in Kigali was organised by the Nigerian Governors Forum and fully sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). So, no money was spent by the government on that. The only money spent on foreign trips was for the UNGA in the United States, and the Northwest Governor’s Meeting with the President of AfDB in Abidjan."

The statement said that: “The report erroneously attributed the money spent by the previous administration to our government's spending. Our government has never employed private security services, nor have we witnessed any Ramadan period. Therefore, we are puzzled about how the funding for the Ramadan Fasting and Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) gifts was attributed to us.'

“As a government, we are committed to maintaining transparency in all our governance activities. We promised the people of Zamfara State to bring about positive change, and we are determined to fulfil that promise. Our administration's rescue mission is comprehensive and covers all aspects of governance. We will not be deterred or slowed down by any misinformation."


SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS

Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor

November 23, 2023

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Governor Caleb Mutfwang Rejoices With His Excellency, Nyesom Wike On Birthday

Image
Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, joined other well-wishers and political associates in commemorating the birthday of the former Governor of Rivers State and Honourable Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON. In a press statement released from Jos, Governor Mutfwang paid tribute to Wike as a devoted, patriotic, and iconic figure in Nigerian politics. His selfless dedication to public service, Governor Mutfwang believes, will serve as a lasting inspiration for generations in service to Nigeria. Governor Mutfwang lauded the exceptional qualities of former Governor Wike, describing him as a selfless, courageous, and benevolent philanthropist as his impact on countless lives, especially among the less privileged, resonates across the nation.  He noted that the unwavering commitment of the Minister to Nigeria's unity as demonstrated through a lifetime of selfless political service, will continue to shape th
Read more

Education Remains a Top Priority of Our Policy Thrust: Gov. Fubara

Image
The Rivers State Government says it will continue to place education as one of the top most priorities of its policy thrust. Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt on Saturday 24th February, 2024. The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, said although the University of Port Harcourt is a Federal University the State Government would continue to support and collaborate with it to place it in a path that  would be the envy of other institutions. “We shall support you because whenever we add value to this institution, you add double value to whatever we have placed before you and we shall continue to ensure that you are given a place of high distinction and excellence”, the Governor stressed. Governor Fubara disclosed that his administration was desirous to create the enabling environment to ensure Rivers State remains a preferred destination to achieve quality education in the country,
Read more

Governor Mutfwang Crowns New Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit

Image
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has performed the coronation of the New Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit. The ceremony is coming nine years after the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong. Governor Mutfwang, who performed the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the New Ngolong Ngas at the Pankshin Township Stadium, praised the Ngas Nation for a rancor-free selection process of the new Ngolong Ngas. He warned mischief makers against needless court actions that are capable of delaying or frustrating the selection and installation of traditional rulers in the state. He also implored citizens to alway accept the will of God in all circumstances. "I congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state." the Governor stated. "Let me s
Read more