Connect with us

Politics

Centre for Responsible Governance Hails Dauda Lawal’s Reform-Driven Turnaround of Zamfara

Published

on

Centre for Responsible Governance Hails Dauda Lawal’s Reform-Driven Turnaround of Zamfara

 

 

 

The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has commended Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, for what it described as a “quiet but far-reaching reform agenda” that is steadily redefining governance and restoring public trust in a state long associated with insecurity and institutional failure.

 

 

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Spokesman, George Obande, the Centre said Governor Lawal inherited not merely a struggling state but one in “urgent need of rescue” after years of systemic decay, abandoned public institutions and weakened confidence in government.

According to the Centre, less than three years into his administration, Lawal has pursued a deliberate governance reset anchored on structural reform rather than populist gestures, with measurable impact across security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic management.

 

“Zamfara was for decades a textbook example of how governance failure can trap citizens in cycles of insecurity, poverty and lost opportunity. What the current administration has undertaken is not cosmetic change, but institutional repair,” the statement said.

Students’ Case Symbolises Reform Philosophy

CRG identified as a defining moment of the administration Governor Lawal’s intervention in the long-abandoned case of 50 Zamfara students whose university results had been withheld for nine years due to unpaid tuition fees accumulated under previous governments.

 

The Centre noted that by settling the outstanding liabilities, securing the release of the students’ results and restoring their academic futures — including those of First Class and Second Class Upper graduates — the governor sent a powerful signal about his administration’s priorities.

“That intervention went beyond compassion. It was a moral and governance statement that the future of Zamfara’s youth would no longer be sacrificed to administrative failure,” CRG said, describing the action as a landmark achievement in human capital development.

 

Security Reset Through Institutional Reform

 

On security, the Centre observed that Governor Lawal approached Zamfara’s long-running banditry crisis as a governance challenge requiring institutional correction, rather than short-term emergency responses.

The administration strengthened collaboration with federal security agencies while establishing Community Protection Guards (CPGs) to complement conventional forces. According to CRG, these community-rooted units have improved intelligence gathering, response time and trust between residents and security operatives.

 

The creation of the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund, the Centre said, further institutionalised security financing by replacing ad-hoc interventions with a structured and accountable funding mechanism.

“While challenges persist, the direction has clearly shifted. Rural communities are reopening, attacks are being disrupted, and citizens are gradually re-engaging with the state as a protector,” the statement added.

Education Declared a Strategic Priority

CRG said the governor’s declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector marked a turning point after years of neglect that left schools dilapidated and students stranded.

 

Beyond resolving the Crescent University case, the Centre cited the clearing of WAEC and NECO fee backlogs, renovation and construction of schools, expansion of scholarships and bursaries, and initiatives to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

“Education in Zamfara is no longer an afterthought. It is being treated as the foundation of long-term security, productivity and prosperity,” Obande stated.

 

Healthcare Reforms Gain Momentum

 

The Centre also highlighted reforms in healthcare, noting the rehabilitation and equipping of hospitals and clinics, improved welfare for health workers, and expanded access to medical services.

The construction of a 200-bed hospital in Talata Mafara, alongside free medical outreaches providing surgeries and specialist care in underserved communities, was described as repositioning Zamfara as a rising performer in primary healthcare delivery in the North-West.

 

 

Infrastructure as an Economic Enabler

On infrastructure, CRG said the Lawal administration has treated projects as tools for safety, commerce and dignity rather than political trophies.

 

The Centre cited the Urban Renewal Project, upgrades to roads and drainage systems, improvements around the Gusau International Airport, construction of a modern stadium, and expansion of street lighting across urban centres as initiatives improving mobility, security and economic activity.

Economic Discipline and Social Repair

 

According to CRG, the clearing of inherited salary and pension arrears restored morale in the public service, while the Rescue Budget 2.0 redirected spending towards capital investments in critical sectors.

Skills acquisition programmes, youth and women empowerment schemes, and targeted social interventions were described as efforts aimed at restoring livelihoods rather than promoting short-term handouts.

 

The CRG also drew attention to ongoing investments in sports infrastructure, noting that a modern sports stadium is currently under construction to promote sports development and youth engagement in Zamfara State.

 

According to the Centre, the project was awarded to a world-class contractor in line with the administration’s emphasis on quality and durability, with commissioning expected by March. The facility is expected to serve as a platform for talent development, community engagement and sports-driven economic activity.

 

A Quiet, Reformist Governance Style

 

The Centre concluded that Governor Lawal’s defining strength lies in a restrained, consultative and results-driven leadership style focused on rebuilding institutions and strengthening processes.

“In a political culture often driven by spectacle, this administration has demonstrated that reform is quieter, but far more enduring,” the statement said.

 

While acknowledging that Zamfara still faces challenges, CRG maintained that the state’s trajectory has clearly shifted.

“Zamfara is no longer where it was. The freeing of abandoned students, the restructuring of security, the revival of education and healthcare, and renewed economic discipline together tell the story of a state undergoing a deliberate reset,” Obande said.

 

The Centre concluded that Governor Dauda Lawal’s reform-oriented leadership is gradually rewriting Zamfara’s future and offering a model of how disciplined, empathetic governance can transform even the most challenged subnational states.

 

In closing, the Centre for Responsible Governance stated that its commentary on Zamfara is consistent with its statutory role as an independent governance watchdog.

 

“Assessment of public institutions and elected office holders forms a core part of the Centre for Responsible Governance’s mandate. Our responsibility is to objectively evaluate leadership performance, policy direction and institutional reform wherever they occur, and to highlight models that strengthen accountability and public trust,” the statement said.

 

According to the Centre, such assessments are aimed not at political endorsement, but at encouraging reform-oriented leadership and promoting governance standards that can be replicated across states and sectors.

 

 

Centre for Responsible Governance, (CRG)

Email: [email protected]

Politics

Top Reps Aspirant, Abudu-Balogun Assures Constituents of Inclusive, Progressive Representation

Published

on

Top Reps Aspirant, Abudu-Balogun Assures Constituents of Inclusive, Progressive Representation

 

It is an incontrovertible fact that Watersiders should GET IT RIGHT this time around by overwhelmingly support this distinguished Watersider, Hon. Abudu-Balogun to emerge as the Candidate of APC for the Federal House of Representative in the 2027 elections.

Apart from being a respected politician among the creme-de-la-creme professionals in politics in Ogun State, and undoubtedly a prominent grassroots politician of Waterside extraction, Hon. Abudu-Balogun has seen it all in National politics that will be of great benefits to the Federal Constituency if eventually elected.

 

Hmmm! With the emergence of the distinguished Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as the consensus Governorship candidate of APC in Ogun State, Waterside agitation for enduring developmental projects and its realisation like Deep Sea Port, assumption of Oil producing LGA via Eba Oil deposits, sustainable Electricity Supply would be a walk-over. This anaysis is predicated upon a scientifically established empirical evidence that Hon Abudu-Balogun is a sustainable Bridge between this Federal Constituency and the Powers that be at Federal level.

 

He has the competence, he posseses the Capacity, he has the cognate political experience, he has fortified the developmental blueprint, he has worked tirelessly, and earned the link to facilitate the expected developmental projects to this Federal Constituency.

 

Above all, Hon Abudu-Balogun has concluded political and economic arrangements to galvanise support in all respects from the main actors at the National and sub-national levels in the country for the tasks ahead.

 

TENI NI TENI. This is the time TIME FOR “ACTION” in the realisation of the enduring Developmental Agenda (that has been eluding us from time immemorial) for the entire Federal Constituency, particularly, our dear Ogun Waterside LGA.

 

Distinguished Watersiders, particularly, the comrade professional politicians and the astute Professionals in politics, please factcheck this. Hon Abudu-Balogun is a very popular and honoured politician in Ijebu-North LGA, he is cherished and respected professional in politics in Ijebu-East LGA, he is a consistently consistent rare breed politician in Waterside who has the interest of Waterside development at heart.

 

ACTION needs our support, he needs our endorsement at this political turning point of our dear LGA, the Wealth Side of Ogun State.

Iwe teni, iwe teni, iwe teni o.

Ajuse ri Dede Eni o.

Happy Sunday to us all.

Continue Reading

Politics

ADC Unstoppable, Like the Sun — Aregbesola Declares at 8th National Convention

Published

on

ADC Unstoppable, Like the Sun — Aregbesola Declares at 8th National Convention

 

 

ABUJA — Former Osun State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the party remains “unstoppable,” likening its rise to the inevitability of the sun, despite what he described as attempts by the ruling establishment to weaken opposition forces.

Speaking at the ADC’s 8th National Convention, Aregbesola said the party’s existence is rooted in the will of Nigerians and protected by the constitution, insisting that no political pressure or institutional interference could halt its progress.

“Just as no power can stop the sun from rising, so can the ADC not be stopped,” he told delegates.

Blasts Political System, Accuses Ruling Forces of Undermining Democracy

The ADC leader accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of actions he described as anti-democratic, alleging efforts to frustrate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

He criticized what he termed the normalization of political “criminality,” arguing that recent political realignments and electoral practices undermine democratic integrity.

According to him, ADC does not owe its existence to any individual or institution but to Nigerians “tired of deceit and mismanagement.”

Harsh Assessment of Economy, Security, and Governance

Aregbesola painted a grim picture of the nation’s condition, citing economic decline, rising inflation, and worsening living standards.

He noted that the naira’s depreciation from about ₦700 to ₦1,400 per dollar reflects what he described as poor economic management, while fuel prices have surged significantly, making daily life difficult for citizens.

On security, he described the current situation as one of the worst in Nigeria’s history, raising concerns about increasing violence and what he called a lack of empathy from leadership in responding to national tragedies.

ADC Positions Itself as Nigeria’s “Rescue Mission”

The former minister said the ADC has, within months, transformed into a major opposition force, claiming it now represents the “hope of the Nigerian people.”

He outlined the party’s rapid structural expansion, ongoing membership drive, and efforts to build alliances with other opposition groups including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Aregbesola emphasized that the party is preparing to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections through what he described as a “united opposition front.”

Defends Party Leadership Changes, Convention Legitimacy

Providing details of internal restructuring, Aregbesola said the emergence of new leadership, including David Mark as caretaker national chairman, followed due constitutional process and was duly communicated to INEC.

He argued that the commission’s refusal to monitor the convention violates provisions of the Electoral Act, insisting that ADC fulfilled all legal requirements.

Alleges Persecution of Opposition Figures

The ADC leader further accused the government of using state institutions such as anti-corruption agencies and security services to intimidate opposition politicians.

He cited cases involving figures like Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, describing the trend as a dangerous signal for democracy.

Calls for United Front Ahead of 2027

Aregbesola concluded with a rallying call for Nigerians to support the ADC’s mission to restore “freedom, security, and prosperity,” warning against political apathy.

“A democracy without opposition is an autocracy,” he said, urging citizens to reject what he termed any attempt at political “coronation.”

Closing Note

The convention, themed “So that Nigeria will work for Freedom, Security and Prosperity,” brought together party delegates and stakeholders, marking a significant step in ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

 

Continue Reading

Politics

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO APC CONSENSUS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, SENATOR SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN ADEOLA YAYI

Published

on

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO APC CONSENSUS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, SENATOR SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN ADEOLA YAYI*

 

On behalf of our Grand Patron, Dr. Tunde Osinowo (Pepperito Jnr.), we leaders and Members of Ogun East for Yayi heartily congratulate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for being the consensus Governorship candidate of our party, APC, in the 2027 election.

This is marvelous and indeed great in the sight of God.

Without mincing words, the choice of Yayi by the party stakeholders is the best and the most surest assurance to coast the Party to victory at the general elections come February, 2027.

We commend the maturity, dispositions and spirit of sportsmanship with which all the Gubernatorial aspirants embraced the decision and extended hands of fellowship to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, the Gubernatorial Hopeful.

We beseech God to grant Yayi and all of us, leaders, followers and supporters, the enablements to see him duly elected as Governor of Ogun State at the general election in Jesus mighty name.

We congratulate the incoming Governor of Ogun State and our Excellency in waiting, Yayi.

This is Yayi O’clock.

Praise God!

Mo yo fun e, mo yo fun ra mi.

 

 

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending