The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the 2025 budget proposal presented to the Zamfara State House of Assembly, describing the process as unconstitutional and illegal.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mallam Yusuf Idris Gusau, the APC accused Governor Dauda Lawal and the state legislature of disregarding constitutional provisions and called for an immediate reversal of the budget presentation.
The statement read:
“The state government has committed a disservice not only to itself but to the entire people of the state.
A budget proposal presentation is traditionally an open event for transparency, allowing the public to see and contribute to how taxpayers’ money will be utilized.
“However, Governor Lawal, along with his allies, decided to secretly present a budget exceeding N545 billion in the hallowed chamber of the State House of Assembly, shielding the process from public scrutiny.
The media and the public were denied access, raising concerns about hidden agendas.”
The APC also criticized the suspension of nine out of 24 lawmakers ahead of the presentation, describing it as a deliberate move to suppress dissent and ensure an unchallenged approval of the budget.
“This development, coupled with the absence of the Kaura Namoda representative, left the Assembly with less than two-thirds of its members, rendering the proceedings unconstitutional and void,” the statement added.
The party further accused the legislature of violating standing rules by suspending the lawmakers indefinitely without due process or fair hearing, leaving their constituencies unrepresented during critical deliberations.
In its statement, the APC demanded an immediate reversal of the budget presentation and an apology to the people of Zamfara State, threatening legal action if the demands are not met.
“We are appealing to the nation’s anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, to investigate this blatant abuse of financial regulations and the alleged perpetuation of illegality by Governor Lawal’s administration,” Gusau said.
The APC described the budget presentation process as unprecedented, even comparing it unfavorably to political crises in other states.
“The governor must understand that governance is guided by constitutional provisions, not personal interests.
This abuse of power and constitutional rights will inevitably backfire before the end of his tenure,” the party warned.
The Zamfara State Government and the House of Assembly are yet to respond to the APC’s allegations.
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