The Zamfara chapter of the African Democratic Congress has called on Governor Dauda Lawal to account for the N20 billion in projects executed in each council area, according to a statement on Monday by the party’s chairman, Kabiru Garba.

Mr Lawal recently said his administration had executed over N20 billion worth of projects in each of the 14 local government areas of the state.

“The Zamfara chapter of the ADC is demanding that the state government provide a comprehensive and verifiable account of capital projects executed across the 14 Local Government Areas of the state since the commencement of the present administration.

“As citizens of Zamfara and stakeholders in the political development of our dear state, we believe that government must be accountable to the people. Public resources belong to the people, and citizens have the right to know how such resources are being utilised and what tangible benefits they are receiving from government expenditure.

“The ADC carefully listened to the governor’s recent statement regarding the administration’s investment of more than N20 billion in capital projects in each local government area,” Mr Garba said.

According to him, if the figure is accurate, it represents a very significant public investment and deserves to be properly documented and explained to the people of Zamfara.

“Therefore, on behalf of the ADC Zamfara chapter, I respectfully challenge the government to provide the people with a clear breakdown of these investments,” he urged.

Reacting to the development, the director-general, media and communications for the Zamfara government, Nuhu Anka, said the governor’s statement was clear and well understood.

Mr Anka said the governor’s claim of spending N20 billion in each of the 14 LGAs was accurate, given the ongoing infrastructure projects, including road networks, education, and healthcare across the local government areas.

“When you look at government spending on the security sector on a daily basis, on agriculture and empowerment projects in each of the 14 LGAs, you will understand the statement made by Governor Dauda Lawal in this matter,” he said.

The director-general described the ADC’s demand for an explanation as politically motivated.

“I think the ADC should concentrate on constructive criticism, not based on political sentiment,” Mr Anka said.

(NAN)