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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has been urged to safeguard and complete the cargo airport project initiated by his predecessor, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle. This advice was given by the former youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara, Comrade Mubarak Shi’itu, who issued a statement in Abuja and sent to reporters on Wednesday.
The Sun reports that the cargo airport project, initially awarded to AVIC International Engineering Limited by former Governor Matawalle, was valued at ₦11.4 billion. The previous administration had already paid ₦5.8 billion towards the project, covering 50% of the contract sum, including additional funds due to the COVID-19 lockdown. However, Governor Lawal recently revoked and reviewed the contract, increasing the project cost to ₦62.8 billion.
Shi’itu emphasized the importance of the project, describing it as vital for promoting trade and tourism in the state. He expressed concern over speculations that some aides close to Governor Lawal might sabotage the project, turning it into a “conduit pipe.”
“It will be disastrous for a project considered key to the promotion of trade and tourism in the state to be left halfway and abandoned by the time this administration winds up,” Shi’itu stated.
Shi’itu acknowledged the controversy surrounding the project’s cost review, noting the need for Governor Lawal to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated time frame.
“We know the controversy the project generated in the Matawalle-led past government up to the time our present governor, Dauda Lawal, took over. We are also happily aware that the project sum was reviewed upward from ₦11 billion to over ₦60 billion because of the concern the present governor has to complete it and the progress made so far,” Shi’itu said.
He further warned against any potential plans to sabotage the project, which could be falsely attributed to bandit attacks, thereby providing the government with an excuse to discontinue the project.
“It will be highly disappointing to hear of an evil plan to sabotage or destroy government projects, especially a gigantic cargo airport that will further take our dear state, which has been battling armed bandits for years, backward,” he added.
Shi’itu reiterated his commitment to monitoring government projects to ensure timely execution and quality work, urging Governor Lawal to avoid being accused of neglecting public facilities.
“As PDP patriotic members, we will continue to monitor and assess all government projects in order to ensure timely execution and quality jobs to avoid wasting government resources,” he stated.
Shi’itu while reaffirming his support for Governor Lawal during his election campaign, emphasizing that his goal is to contribute to the state’s development and not to support any form of sabotage or organized crime in the name of politics.
