A civil society group in Zamfara State has criticised a constituency project undertaken by Hon. Kabiru Maipalace, describing it as a waste of public funds and a clear insult to the people of the state.
The lawmaker, who represents one of Zamfara’s federal constituencies, has reportedly embarked on the renovation of 80 cemeteries — a move that has triggered outrage among locals and civil society actors.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Muhammad Kabiru Tsafe, the Zamfara Civil Society Organisation (ZCSO) condemned the project as “appalling and disgraceful”.
“It is both appalling and disgraceful that Hon. Kabiru Maipalace, a lawmaker who allegedly rigged his way into office through the back door, is now insulting the collective intelligence of the good people of Zamfara State by prioritising the renovation of 80 cemeteries as his flagship constituency project,” the statement read.
The group said the project reflected a “gross misplacement of priorities” in a state grappling with serious insecurity and humanitarian crises.
“Zamfara is bleeding — bandits are terrorising communities, children are out of school, hospitals are in ruins, roads are death traps, and thousands of families are living in absolute poverty,” Tsafe said.
“In the face of all this suffering, Kabiru Maipalace believes renovating cemeteries is what the people need? This is not leadership; this is a slap in the face of every citizen who still dares to hope for good governance in Zamfara.”
The group also raised concern over ongoing corruption investigations allegedly involving the lawmaker.
According to the ZCSO, Maipalace is reportedly under scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged financial misconduct and abuse of office.
“How can someone battling serious allegations of fraud turn around and pretend to care about the people by investing in graves instead of saving lives?” Tsafe questioned.
The group further accused Maipalace of using constituency funds as a smokescreen to divert public resources.
“Zamfara State does not need painted tombstones or repackaged cemeteries. What we need are bold, transparent, and people-centred leaders — not opportunists who sneaked into power through electoral malpractice and are now using constituency funds as a cover to loot more from the public purse.”
Calling for accountability, the ZCSO urged anti-corruption agencies to expedite their investigations and ensure the lawmaker is held responsible for what it called “deceptive and irresponsible leadership”.
“This is not only a misuse of public funds — it is an insult to the living,” the group declared.