The Zamfara Concerned Citizens Forum has commended former Governor Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, for what it described as his outstanding record in promoting the welfare, fairness and dignity of workers during his tenure.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Marafa, the Forum said Matawalle’s administration stood out as a model of purposeful leadership that revived the state’s civil service and restored confidence among long-neglected employees.
The group recalled that Matawalle refunded over ₦932m in pension funds that had been wrongfully withheld from workers’ salaries and recovered ₦3.5bn belonging to state, local government and Universal Basic Education Board staff — a move they described as a rare act of accountability in public service.
It added that the former governor introduced a ₦100m monthly gratuity payment plan to clear years of pension arrears, reinstated over 1,500 dismissed workers and teachers, ensured prompt promotions, and paid long-overdue salary increments.
“Matawalle treated Zamfara workers as the backbone of governance,” the statement said. “He believed development begins with a motivated workforce — and he proved it through action, not mere promises.”
The Forum also praised his housing and empowerment initiatives, including the proposed 2,500 affordable housing units for civil servants and the recruitment of professionals in the health and education sectors — policies they said improved both living standards and service delivery.
However, the group lamented the decline in workers’ morale under the current administration, citing irregular salary payments, neglect of pensioners and loss of transparency in wage management as major setbacks.
“Dr Bello Matawalle brought back dignity, fairness and hope to Zamfara’s workforce,” the Forum stated. “His humane leadership remains unmatched, and his return would once again restore respect for those who serve the state with loyalty and dedication.”