Governor Daudu Lawal of Zamfara State has refuted claims that his administration allocated ₦19 billion for kitchenware and canteen equipment.
This clarification was made by the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Abdulmalik Gajam, during a media briefing on Tuesday in Gusau.
Gajam dismissed the reports as misleading and potentially inflammatory, urging media outlets to verify information before disseminating it to the public. He emphasized that Governor Lawal is committed to running a transparent government and that the circulating rumors are baseless.
“I would like to clarify that the information being circulated on social media is unverified,” Gajam stated.
“A government that has reduced its spending to save for the future cannot allocate ₦19 billion for the governor’s kitchen and other canteen equipment.”
He reiterated that the Zamfara State Government, under Lawal’s leadership, is open and transparent, welcoming media and stakeholders to verify and access information. “As a transparent government, we accept any challenge from any media outfit that sincerely scrutinizes our administration with good intentions,” Gajam added.
“Media outfits need to be responsible for the information they publish regarding the government.”
Gajam also highlighted that Lawal’s 2024 ‘Budget of Rescue’ aims to increase revenue generation, reduce expenditure, and ensure transparency in the release of public funds. He affirmed that the current administration has consistently ensured that all its expenditures are in the best interest of the people of Zamfara State.