Security personnel on Friday stormed the residence of the immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mattawalle, in Gusau and confiscated several vehicles.
According to report, a total of four SUVs were seized during the raid.
Recall that Matawalle’s successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, had during his inaugural speech expressed disgust that his predecessor took away many vehicles and left an empty treasury.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
He said, “Former governor Bello Matawalle had gone away with 17 vehicles from his office and those in the deputy governor’s office claiming that the vehicles are his personal belongings. In fact, not even office equipment were spared.’The atrocities are beyond comprehension, I’ve never seen crass irresponsibility like this one. But, with good planning I’m assuring the citizens of the state that we will do our best to correct the anomalies.” he stated
However last Saturday, Governor Lawal gave Matawalle an ultimatum of five days to return the vehicles taken away by officials of his administration.
In a statement released, the governor vowed to recover looted funds and properties of the state government.
“We have the facts and records available that expose Matawalle’s impropriety. Where is the lie? A contract was awarded by the former governor, for the purchase of vehicles to be distributed to dignitaries and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the cost of N1,149,800,000. The contract for the purchase of the vehicles was awarded to Hafkhad Properties and Facilities Management Nig. Ltd.
“The money was meant for the purchase of a Toyota Lexus VIP Bullet Proof 2021 Model; Toyota Land Cruiser VIP Bullet Proof 2021 Model; Toyota Prado V6 2021 Model; Toyota Prado V4 2021 Model; Peugeot 2021 Model; Toyota Hilux 2021 Model; Toyota Land Cruiser Bullet Proof 2021; and Toyota Lexus 2021 Model.
“We have communicated officially to former Governor Bello Matawalle and his Deputy to return all the missing vehicles within five working days,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Government has explained the operation that led to the raid at the ex- governors residence.
In a statement on Friday in Gusau, the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Idris, revealed that the police acted on a court order and a search warrant was obtained for the operation.
The statement partly read, “Recall that the Zamfara State Government has communicated officially to former Governor Bello Matawalle and his deputy to return all the missing vehicles within five working days.
“We also lodged an official complaint with the police on overriding public interest on wasteful looting of valuables including official vehicles.
“Consequently, the police sought a search warrant, which was duly given by the court and hence raided Matawalle’s residence in Gusau, Maradun Local Government, and another unidentified hideout.
“Over 40 vehicles were recovered, including three bulletproof vehicles and eight SUVs.
“We want to reaffirm our commitment to recover all that belongs to the people. Our common resolve is to rescue and rebuild Zamfara. Recovering the proceeds of crime and public assets is a critical part of our rescue mission.”
