Matawalle swears in new Deputy Governor, lashes out at Mahdi Aliyu Gusa
Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has disclosed that he chose his new deputy, Senator Hassan Mohammed Gusau Nasiha, because of his excellent record of political accomplishments, his excellent interpersonal relations, his accessibility, and closeness to his political constituency.
In a tacit reference to what he saw as the shortcomings of his former deputy, he noted that the person who should occupy the position of Deputy Governor should be an able lieutenant, loyal, credible, politically astute and relevant.
Pointedly, he accused his former second in command of “incompetence, insubordination, and a carefree attitude.”
Matawalle explained that following the impeachment of the immediate past Deputy Governor by lawmakers, it was necessary to fill the vacancy as provided for by section 191, subsection 3 of the 1999 Constitution.
“This is the reason why after a wide range of consultation across the broad political spectrum, it was agreed that distinguished Senator Hassan Mohammed Gusau should be nominated for the position of Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, to which he was just sworn in following the confirmation of the State House of Assembly,” Governor Matawalle said.
He said further: “We are grateful to Allah for guiding us to arrive at this critical decision at this crucial point in our political history. Going by the pedigree of the new Deputy Governor, most especially his excellent record of political accomplishments, his excellent interpersonal relations, his accessibility, and closeness to his political constituency, I am confident that His Excellency, Senator Hassan Mohammed Gusau is not just the right person for this enviable position but also someone that will deploy his vast experiences in our relentless pursuit of building a new Zamfara State.
“While I congratulate you for attaining this feat, let me remind you that you are taking over this onerous responsibility at a time when Zamfara State, more than any time before, needs the services of competent and capable hands to join ranks to address our myriad of challenges. As you know, the most formidable challenge before us is that of more than a decade-old banditry.
“Almost 26 years since the creation of Zamfara State, we are still confronted with many issues of development that require planning and proper channelling of resources to address.
“Apart from the blueprint drawn for the development of the State during the first administration of Jibril Bala Yakubu, the State’s development has virtually remained without a roadmap. This is what informed our decision to inaugurate a committee to draw a Development Plan that will guide the development of the State in the next 25 years.
“As my lieutenant, your role in the implementation of the plan and other government programmes is vital.
“As a Deputy Governor, your role as defined by the constitution is to assist the Governor in discharging his functions. You are to also perform other responsibilities as might be delegated to you by the Governor. You should therefore be ready for all the challenges associated with your new responsibility.
“At this juncture, let me commend the State House of Assembly for staying true to the course of democracy at this critical moment in our political journey. As true democrats, they acted swiftly within the boundaries of the law to salvage our democracy and save the State from the incompetence, insubordination, and carefree attitude of the immediate past occupant of the office of the Deputy Governor.
“I call on the good people of our dear State to extend their usual prayers, support and cooperation to the just sworn-in Deputy Governor for him to perform as expected.
“As you assume office, I pray to Allah to guide you in the course of discharging all your functions with ease and a high sense of responsibility. Thank you very much. Wassalamu Alaikum”.