In a recent statement, former Zamfara State Governor and Minister for State Defence, Bello Matawalle claimed that the state received over ₦1 trillion from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in the last two years of this current administration. However, this assertion has been firmly rebutted by ZamTracka, a public expenditure tracking organisation dedicated to promoting transparency in government spending.
According to ZamTracka’s comprehensive analysis of financial records, Zamfara State received a total of approximately ₦776.6 billion in FAAC allocations from 2019 to September 2025. This figure casts significant doubt on Matawalle’s claim, particularly when broken down into the respective periods of leadership.
During his four-year tenure from 2019 to 2023, former Governor Matawalle’s administration collected more than ₦400 billion in FAAC disbursements. In contrast, the current administration led by Governor Dauda Lawal has received slightly over ₦350 billion during its first two years in office.
This financial data has sparked a vigorous debate regarding fiscal responsibility, public accountability, and the tangible outcomes of governance in Zamfara. Economists and analysts emphasize the changing economic landscape, noting that the ₦400 billion accrued under Matawalle’s administration possessed a significantly greater purchasing power at the time, which was estimated to be worth over $571 million when the exchange rate was around ₦700 to the dollar.
In today’s economic climate, with the exchange rate hovering around ₦1,500 to the dollar, that same financial value would translate to nearly ₦856.5 billion. This shift underlines the rising costs associated with implementing infrastructure projects; for instance, a ₦1 billion project during Matawalle’s tenure could now exceed ₦3 billion due to inflation and increased material costs.
Despite the substantial financial inflow during Matawalle’s administration, critics have raised concerns regarding the visibility and impact of significant projects completed with these funds, particularly within the state capital, Gusau. Many citizens have expressed frustration at the apparent lack of transformative developments, questioning whether the allocations translated into meaningful improvements in public services and infrastructure.
On the other hand, supporters of the current government stress the achievements made despite working with an allocation that, when adjusted for the older exchange rate, would amount to approximately ₦163.1 billion. They argue that the current administration has demonstrated resilience and effective governance strategies, producing outcomes that reflect prudent resource management under challenging economic conditions.
This ongoing dispute underscores an increasing demand for transparency and accountability amongst the citizenry, especially as financial data becomes more accessible through various platforms. As the debate rages on, efforts to obtain comments from representatives of former Governor Matawalle regarding the ZamTracka findings have not yielded results thus far, leaving the discussion centered on the implications of these financial discrepancies.
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As political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle, stakeholders and residents of Bariga/Shomolu Federal Constituency are increasingly confronted with a critical question: who possesses the competence, structure, and track record to effectively represent the constituency at the House of Representatives?
Among the names being considered, Alabi Kolade David, popularly known as Kola Alabi, has emerged as a strong and compelling option, with many political observers arguing that his experience and performance in public office make him a natural fit for the role.
Kola Alabi’s political journey is deeply rooted in Bariga. Having served as Vice-Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) between 2009 and 2015, and later as Executive Secretary, he rose to become the Executive Chairman in 2017, a position he has held for two terms. This steady progression through the ranks reflects not only continuity but also sustained trust from the people he serves.
During his time as chairman, Bariga has witnessed notable transformation across key sectors. His administration has prioritized grassroots development, delivering infrastructural projects that have improved mobility and overall living conditions within the LCDA. Roads, drainage systems, and community facilities have seen measurable upgrades, contributing to a more functional and accessible environment for residents.
In the area of healthcare, his government initiated the expansion of primary healthcare services, ensuring that all wards within Bariga have access to functional health centres. This effort has significantly improved access to basic medical care, particularly for low-income residents.
Education has also received considerable attention under his leadership. Through school renovations, construction of new learning facilities, and support for educational initiatives, his administration has contributed to improving the standard of public education within the community.
Beyond infrastructure and social services, Kola Alabi has consistently emphasized human capital development. Youth empowerment programmes, support for small businesses, and inclusive initiatives targeting women have formed a core part of his governance strategy, helping to stimulate economic participation at the grassroots level.
His influence extends beyond Bariga. As former National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), he played a significant role in advocating for local government autonomy and strengthening governance frameworks across the country. This experience has given him exposure to national policy discussions and intergovernmental relations, positioning him as a leader with both local relevance and broader political insight.
His performance in office has earned him several recognitions, including awards for grassroots governance and public service excellence. These honours, while symbolic, reflect a pattern of leadership that has been acknowledged beyond his immediate constituency.
Observers also point to his leadership style, often described as inclusive and people-oriented. His ability to maintain strong connections with community stakeholders, traditional institutions, and political structures has been cited as one of his key strengths.
With the responsibilities of a member of the House of Representatives requiring a blend of legislative understanding, grassroots connection, and the capacity to attract development, many believe that Kola Alabi’s profile aligns closely with these demands.
As conversations continue and political alignments take shape, one sentiment appears to be gaining traction across Bariga and Shomolu: if experience, performance, and grassroots credibility are the deciding factors, then the cap, indeed, fits Kola Alabi David.
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