Zamfara Assembly Threatens Impeachment Of Governor Lawal Over Alleged ₦9bn Hospital Renovation Scandal.
The Zamfara State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Bashar Gummi, has issued a stern warning to Governor Dauda Lawal, threatening impeachment proceedings over the alleged mismanagement of ₦9 billion allocated for the renovation of Yariman Bakura Teaching Hospital in Gusau. The Assembly, during a parallel plenary session held on Thursday in the state capital, described the expenditure as a flagrant misuse of public funds, sparking outrage among lawmakers.
The hospital, originally initiated by former Governor Aliyu Shinkafi and completed under Abdulaziz Yari’s administration at a cost of approximately ₦1 billion, was the focal point of heated discussions. Lawmakers questioned how a facility built for such a sum could require nine times that amount for what they described as “mere painting” and refurbishment. “How does a project constructed for ₦1 billion suddenly demand ₦9 billion for basic renovations?” one member queried, highlighting concerns over transparency and accountability.
Beyond the hospital project, the Assembly raised serious questions about the whereabouts of ₦200 billion reportedly received by the Zamfara State Government following the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal. The funds, disbursed at ₦20 billion per state over ten months, were intended to alleviate economic pressures, but lawmakers accused the administration of failing to account for their use.
The plenary also addressed the worsening security situation in Zamfara, with Hon. Aliyu Kagara, representing Talata Mafara South, describing the Gusau-Maru-Talata Mafara road as a “death trap” due to rampant banditry. He cited a recent incident where criminals extorted ₦17 million from Morai villagers for the release of hostages, only to keep the captives despite receiving the ransom. Kagara lamented the state government’s silence, accusing it of showing little sympathy for victims and failing to protect members of the Community Protection Guards, who face daily threats from bandits.
Further criticism came from Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur of Bakura constituency, who called for a vote of no confidence against Governor Lawal. Tudu alleged that the governor had betrayed the state by neglecting security, fostering division, and undermining Islamic institutions, starting with the Ulama Council. Hon. Nasiru Maru, representing Maru North, urged the Assembly to push for educational reforms, including free education and scholarships for Zamfara’s youth, as a means of addressing long-term challenges.
The Assembly has given Governor Lawal a two-week ultimatum to provide clarity on the hospital renovation costs and the ₦200 billion subsidy funds. Failure to do so, they warned, could trigger formal impeachment proceedings. The controversy has heightened tensions in Zamfara, with residents and observers awaiting the governor’s response to the allegations.
Governor Lawal’s administration, however, has previously highlighted its efforts to revitalise the state’s healthcare system. The renovation of Yariman Bakura Teaching Hospital, commissioned in June 2025 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was touted as a step towards transforming the facility into a teaching hospital for Zamfara State University. The project included new facilities, such as a radiology complex, doctors’ quarters, and advanced medical equipment like CT scans and MRI machines, which the administration claimed would improve healthcare outcomes.
Despite these claims, the Assembly’s accusations have cast a shadow over the project, raising questions about financial oversight and governance in Zamfara. As the deadline looms, the state remains on edge, with the potential impeachment of Governor Lawal threatening to deepen political divisions.
