As Zamfara State grapples with a deteriorating civil service, a prominent workers’ group has called for the return of former governor Dr Bello Matawalle, citing his unmatched reforms and people-centred governance.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Zamfara Workers Association (ZWA) expressed deep concern over what it described as the “bastardisation of the bureaucracy” under the current administration led by Governor Dauda Lawal.
Engr. Hamisu Lawal Bungudu, the association’s chairman, said the state’s workforce had been “demoralised and abandoned”, contrasting the situation with what he called Matawalle’s transformative legacy.
“Dr Matawalle left behind a civil service that was hopeful and dignified,” Bungudu stated.
“Today, there’s neither recruitment nor salary increment—only media appearances from a ‘television governor’.”
During his tenure, Dr Matawalle reportedly refunded over ₦932 million in unremitted pension deductions, particularly benefitting primary school teachers.
He also negotiated a ₦3.5 billion refund from pension administrators for state and local government staff, including those under the Universal Basic Education (UBE) scheme.
ZWA listed several key reforms under Matawalle, including the reinstatement of over 1,600 unjustly disengaged workers, recruitment of health personnel to fill critical gaps, and approval of 2,500 housing units for civil servants under a government loan initiative.
The association also highlighted a monthly ₦100 million disbursement to clear gratuity arrears and the release of ₦729 million in previously unclaimed pension deductions.
“These are not campaign promises—they are real, measurable acts that restored faith in public service,” Bungudu added.
Calling on citizens and civil servants to “rally behind a tested hand,” the ZWA urged Dr Matawalle to consider re-contesting in 2027.
“Our message is clear: the civil service needs a saviour, not a showman,” the statement said.