THESHIELD Garkuwa
Related Articles
By Dauda Lawan Engagement and Sensitization Forum
The attention of the Dauda Lawan Engagement and Sensitization Forum has been drawn to a publication circulated on Monday, August 17, 2026, titled “ZAMFARA, Hijacked by Thieves!!”, containing a series of grave allegations against the Zamfara State Government, Governor Dauda Lawal and several individuals serving in or associated with the administration.
We ordinarily would not dignify politically motivated fabrications with a response. However, because the publication contains numerous figures, names and accusations presented as facts, we consider it necessary to set the record straight and caution members of the public against accepting unverified claims as established truth.
The publication alleges that Governor Dauda Lawal and his aides have spent more than $10 million on foreign trips since 2023. It further provides purported figures for contracts, security expenditure and alleged financial benefits to individuals.
The fundamental question is simple: Where is the evidence?
If a public official has allegedly spent millions of dollars belonging to Zamfara State, there must be official records to support such a claim. Travel approvals, payment vouchers, procurement records, audited accounts, flight records and other relevant documents should be produced.
Listing dollar amounts beside the names of public officials does not, by itself, establish that such money was received or spent by them.
The same applies to the extensive list of contracts contained in the publication. The author alleges that contracts worth hundreds of billions of naira were distributed among certain individuals and companies, while also making serious accusations of contract diversion and alleged ownership.
These are not ordinary claims. They are allegations of financial misconduct and corruption. Such claims require documentary evidence.
It is particularly troubling that the publication appears to contain inconsistencies in its own calculations. The article gives an initial figure of more than ₦180 billion for contracts but subsequently lists projects whose combined figures appear to be considerably higher. This raises legitimate questions about how the figures were obtained and whether they were independently verified.
The people of Zamfara should therefore be cautious about accepting such figures without evidence.
Government Contracts are not Private Property
Since assuming office, the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal has repeatedly emphasized transparency, accountability and development. Government projects are subject to budgetary, procurement and administrative procedures.
Where anyone alleges that a particular contract was improperly awarded, the proper approach is to provide the contract award documents, tender records, company ownership information, payment records and other evidence necessary to establish the allegation.
It is not enough to simply state that a particular individual “got” a contract or that another person is allegedly behind a company.
If there is credible evidence that any public official has breached the law, such evidence should be submitted to the appropriate investigative and anti-corruption agencies.
Political Disagreement is not Evidence of Corruption
The Dauda Lawan Engagement and Sensitization Forum recognizes the right of citizens, political groups and opposition elements to criticize government policies.
However, criticism must not become an excuse for spreading unsubstantiated accusations capable of damaging the reputations of individuals and misleading the public.
Governor Dauda Lawal is a public servant and should be held accountable for his stewardship. But accountability must be based on facts, records and due process.
The government should not be judged guilty simply because somebody published a long list of figures on social media.
Let the Documents Speak
If the author of the Monday publication possesses evidence showing that Governor Dauda Lawal or any member of his administration diverted public funds, we challenge the author to publish the relevant documents and submit them to the appropriate authorities.
If there are procurement documents showing that contracts were awarded improperly, let those documents be made public.
If there are bank records showing that public money was diverted, let them be produced.
If there are official travel records establishing the alleged $10 million expenditure, let them be presented.
If there is evidence that any named individual unlawfully benefited from public contracts, let the evidence be subjected to independent investigation.
That is how responsible citizens should demand accountability.
Zamfara Deserves Development, not Fabrication
The people of Zamfara are confronted by serious challenges, including insecurity, poverty, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure. They deserve honest political debate about how these challenges can be addressed.
They do not deserve to be deliberately misled by figures that have not been subjected to independent verification.
The Dauda Lawan Engagement and Sensitization Forum therefore calls on members of the public to treat the allegations contained in the publication with caution until the author provides verifiable evidence to substantiate them.
We remain committed to constructive engagement, responsible political communication and the defence of the achievements and policies of the Dauda Lawal administration.
We also support legitimate scrutiny of government expenditure and welcome any credible investigation into the affairs of the state.
But there is a clear difference between accountability and accusation.
There is also a difference between investigation and condemnation.
Zamfara deserves the truth.
And where allegations are made, the truth must ultimately be established by evidence, official records and competent institutions—not sensational headlines or unverified figures.
Signed:
Dauda Lawan Engagement and Sensitization Forum
August 18, 2026
