“We want to make a clarification on the position of the Debt Management Office report that the Zamfara State government borrowed N14.26 billion,” Lawal said in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaiman Bala Idris, “no domestic or external loans have been borrowed since Governor Dauda Lawal took office.

“It is important to note that the previous Zamfara State government floated a N20 billion bond but failed to collect the total amount.

“The immediate past government received N4 billion out of the N20 billion loan it requested for the Zamfara cargo airport project, though the funds were not utilized.

“Upon assuming office, we discovered that the payment terms made terminating the bond impossible without incurring a significant loss for the state.

“The balance of N16 billion out of the N20 billion borrowed by the past administration is the N14.26 billion captured by the Debt Management Office. The value is reduced due to inflation.

“The bond balance, which is still in a government account, has not been used, and it is being reserved for the airport project.”

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Lawa said this on Friday when he paid a condolence visit to Mada, Mada Local Government Area, over the murder of the town’s Chief Imam.

Hoodlums suspected to be members of an outlawed vigilance group murdered the renown Muslim cleric, and the police have since arrested about 10 persons in connection with the killing.

In a solemn address after the Juma’at prayers at the Mada central mosque, the governor again reassured the people of the administration’s determination to pursue the matter until the perpetrators of the crime are brought to justice.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that Lawal also offered his condolences to the family of the deceased as well as the District Head.

The governor told the congregation that, “I am here to reassure the good people of Mada town that my government is committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the perpetrators of the incident are brought to book.

“No stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of justice for the murder of Sheikh Abubakar. We will work tirelessly to ensure that the late Sheikh and his family get the justice they deserve.

“I was not in Gusau when the incident occurred. However, upon receiving the distressing news, I immediately contacted the heads of all relevant security agencies in the state to take appropriate action.

“The police have since initiated an investigation into the extrajudicial murder. I solemnly swear by Allah that we will ensure that anyone found guilty of this heinous act will be brought to justice.”

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He said this in a congratulatory message to governors of the PDP whose elections were upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday.

In a statement signed by his media office in Abuja, he described the decision of the court as good news for the people of Bauchi, Plateau, Cross River, and Zamfara states, and, indeed, a win for constitutional democracy.

The PDP presidential candidate also congratulated the Governor of Kano State, Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf, of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), reaffirming his position that only a united opposition force can strengthen democracy in Nigeria.

Atiku was quoted as saying, “I am as prepared as ever to lead the charge, alongside all our leaders and governors, for the good of our country.”

According to him, “Where justice is seen to have been substantially rendered, we, as patriots and citizens, will always applaud.”

Atiku equally said that, by the verdict of the apex court, “there is a guaranteed continuation of the standards of good governance that the PDP has brought to the respective states.”

He urged the respective PDP governors, namely Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Barr. Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, and Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to see their wins at the Supreme Court as an opportunity to consolidate and expand the scope of the good governance they have already established.

Atiku noted that with the electioneering phase now concluded, he is certain that the PDP will now be able to focus on its role as the major opposition party in the country, with the party’s able governors at the helm along with his humble self.

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Pointing out that the Supreme Court verdicts will ensure democratic stability in Nigeria, the PDP-GF congratulated the PDP governors and expressed conviction that citizens’ aspirations towards democratic evolution and progress have been brought closer to reality.

The PDP-GF stressed this in a statement issued by its Director-General, C.I.D. Maduabum in Abuja on Friday, January 12.

“It is reassuring to note that the will and votes of the greater majority in their respective states have been formally validated by the Supreme Court.

“The PDP-GF, in several meetings and statements, affirmed their strong belief in the ability of the Supreme Court to do justice; this belief has been reconfirmed by the Apex Court and we commend the Supreme Court for living up to the expectations of the Nigerian people.

“These verdicts represent a triumph of democracy, rule of law, and due process in Nigeria; they reaffirm the sanctity of the ballot as the determining factor for democratic legitimacy.

“The Forum is further strengthened to continue to be a critical voice for the enthronement of good governance and defence of the Nigerian people.

“The Forum prays for wisdom and God’s favour in the lives of the respective governors, as the affirmation of these mandates has cleared the path for them to continue in the enormous tasks of rendering selfless and excellent services to their people and taking their states to greater heights.”

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On Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court declared the Zamfara governorship election inconclusive and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold a fresh election in three LGAs.

The local governments are Maradun, Birnin-Magaji and Bukyun.

Reacting to the ruling in a statement by Sulaiman Idris, his spokesperson, Lawal said he was elected due to dissatisfaction with the status quo in Zamfara.

Lawal said the outcome of the governorship election “accurately represented the people’s yearning for a shift towards positive development and progress”.

“The ruling by the Appeal Court is a temporary setback. However, I remain optimistic that the collective decision of the people will ultimately prevail,” he said.

“We will emerge victorious. Our unwavering determination and steadfast commitment leave no room for doubt or fear.

“We faced numerous challenges on the road to victory in the last election. But let me assure our people that we are fully committed to going to great lengths to retain this widely acclaimed mandate.”

He called on the people of the state to remain calm, adding that his legal team is currently reviewing the court’s verdict and would take necessary actions to “achieve a just outcome”.

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The bandits attacked the location on Sunday night, which resulted in the death of one person and the kidnap of six others.

A press statement on Monday by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the Governor was in Bungudu to condole families of the victims and equally commiserated with the Emirate and the entire people of the Local Government Area.

Describing the attack as barbaric incident, Governor Lawal said that banditry would soon be history in the entire state. He urged the people to be steadfast in prayers to compliment government’s effort in its resolve to tackle insecurity, adding that security is everyone’s business and it requires maximum cooperation.

He also condoled the family of the deceased and prayed for the safe return of the kidnapped persons.”

In his remarks, the Emir said, “His Excellency called me early in the morning to commiserate with us and informed me that he had given a directive to the security operatives to ensure the swift rescue of the kidnapped persons.”

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Dare, who spoke immediately after his swearing-in at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, stressed that he did not meet anything in the treasury when he took over the affairs of the state from his predecessor, Bello Matawalle.

“I want to inform the people of the state that, I met an empty treasury. I also inherited huge debts and liabilities amounting to billions of naira.

“I am, therefore, appealing to the people of the state to be more patient and give me your full support and cooperation in this trying period.

“I promised to bring rapid development in the state during my campaign particularly in terms of security, education, job opportunities, health and agriculture.

“I have come to rescue Zamfara State by the grace of God and I will do my best to move the state to greater height.”

The new governor also called on the youths to shun all forms of criminal activities.

Both Matawalle and his deputy, Hassan Nasiha, were not present during the swearing-in ceremony.

Matawalle has been away from the state since the time he lost the governorship election.

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The campaign was attended by thousands of party faithful, supporters and well wishers.

They were received by residents of all communities along the Anka – Bukkuyum – Gummi road

Women, youth, children and the aged were carrying placards and banners with various inscription showing their Supporter for the PDP and all it’s Candidates

Addressing the mammoth crowd of party supporters who thronged the campaign rally, the PDP Governorship Hopeful Dauda Lawal Dare assured them that he and other candidates vying for various positions will never disappoint the people if elected

He said the rousing reception that was given the campaign team in Gummi and other local government areas earlier visited was an indication of the party’s acceptability and impending victory at the polls

Dr. Dauda particularly pointed out that his Administration if emerged will give priority to Security, Agriculture, Economy, Healthcare, Education and empowerment

The Zamfara Governorship Hopeful added that he will settle all outstanding tuition fees of Zamfara indegenes studying abroad on State Government scholarship which the current Governor Bello Matawalle and his Government failed to pay , thereby forcing the school authorities to send Zamfara students packing

He described the development as unfortunate and a slap on a Government which promises to help its people.

Also on Security and Economy, the PDP Governorship Candidate says he would ensure protection of lives and property of all citizens which has hitherto affected Communities and their economy

He noted that the economic blueprint of his Government if elected will focus at strengthening security and agricultural productivity to boost the economy and increase Internal Revenue generation.

Dr. Dauda thanked the people for their commitment and assurances to continue to support him and other PDP candidates in all elective positions.

The PDP Campaign train is expected to visit Bukkuyum and Anka LGAs On Sunday.

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In a unanimous judgment on Friday, a five-man panel led by Muhammed Garba dismissed the appeal filed by the EFCC against the judgment of the court of appeal which asked the anti-graft agency to return the money to the former bank chief.

The court of appeal, Lagos division, in an appeal dated March 25, 2020, had ordered the said sum to be returned to Lawal.

“The decisions of the federal high court, Coram Judice: Hassan, J. delivered in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/13/2017 on 16th February 2017 are hereby set aside. The order of final forfeiture of the sum of N9,080,000,000.00 (Nine Billion and Eighty Million Naira) to the federal government of Nigeria is hereby set aside. It is hereby ordered that the said sum of N9,080,000,000.00 (Nine Billion and Eighty Million Naira) be returned to the appellant forthwith,” the court ordered.

The supreme court held that the order of final forfeiture of N9 billion made against Lawal was set aside and rescinded, and that the said sum be immediately returned to him.

In May 2016, the EFCC charged Lawal with money laundering and obtaining monies suspected to be proceeds of crime.

On October 7, 2020, a federal high court in Lagos discharged and acquitted Lawal of the offences brought against him by the EFCC.

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Lawal is currently standing trial before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly receiving $25m out of the $153m loot traced to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

A source close to the panel said the former banker was invited as part of a probe into the investigative deficiencies of the EFCC under Magu.

He said Lawal was asked to testify without prejudice to his ongoing corruption trial.

It was learnt that while the former banker was giving his testimony, Magu walked into the venue at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa around 12pm, three hours before he was scheduled to appear.

A top source said, “Lawal appeared before the panel to clarify some allegations he had made in the past against the EFCC some of which had been reported to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. This was without prejudice to his ongoing corruption trial.

“However, Magu strolled in around 12pm even though he was expected to arrive at 3pm. The panel members were initially reluctant to let Magu witness the hearing but he pleaded and was permitted to do so.”

Lawal, however, repeated the allegations he made against the EFCC in a counter-affidavit he filed before Justice Muslim Hassan of a Federal High Court in 2017.

The EFCC had frozen Lawal’s accounts and applied for the permanent forfeiture of his funds which the ex-banker challenged.

In a counter-affidavit he deposed to which formed the basis for his invitation by the panel, Lawal said the EFCC detained him for 11 days in 2016 and promised to release him only on the condition that he return some funds.

On how he received the $25m, Lawal said he received a call from a friend, Stanley Lawson, March 2015 to help collect the money, which he subsequently paid into an account provided for him. “I had no idea of the origin of the said funds and only acted in the course of normal banking business,” he said.

The former banker said the EFCC allegedly compelled him to provide funds he never received.

Lawal said in the affidavit, “Having been invited and subsequently detained in Lagos for 11 consecutive days and without access to members of my immediate family, the EFCC investigators kept suggesting and insisting that there was a shortfall of $40m, which I had yet to account for.

“They were alleging that I had in fact taken $65m as opposed to the $25m, which I stated that I had received. The EFCC investigators interrogating me made it clear that the only way that I could/would leave detention is if I made their suggested shortfall available to them.

“Because I never had this EFCC invented $40m to give, I had to use my personal connections to source for and raise about 50 per cent of the said amount while I was in detention. I managed to borrow some of the money from the bank where I am an executive director and surrendered it to the EFCC through my legal counsel and was eventually released from detention on May 20, 2016.

“Consequently, in a three-week period between May 13 and June 6, 2016, I was made to surrender to the EFCC Recovery Account at the Central Bank of Nigeria the total sum of N9.08bn.”

Meanwhile, Magu’s lawyer, Wahab Shittu, says his client will no longer condone allegations levelled against him.

Shittu said this in a statement on Sunday titled, ‘Re: Magu faces questions over assets declaration – Fresh Propaganda Against Our Client Prejudicial to Panel Proceedings’.

The statement was in reaction to media reports that Magu was facing fresh investigation for failing to declare his assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau as required by law.

The lawyer said they were shocked by several false and defamatory imputations not arising from the proceedings of the panel.

He said, “Take notice that our client can no longer fold his hands in the face of these sustained malicious attacks to prejudge him in the public space. Our client will henceforth, point by point reply to all false allegations orchestrated against him in the public space on a daily basis as well as present his comprehensive defence for the world to see.”

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