A civil society group, the Coalition of Zamfara Youths, has faulted Governor Dauda Lawal’s decision to remove 2,363 workers from the state’s payroll, arguing that the action is unjust and could negatively impact security in the region.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Zamfara has also joined the fray, protesting the dismissals and the alleged failure to implement the national minimum wage.
The Coalition of Zamfara Youths, in a statement released on Tuesday, challenged the state government’s justification for the dismissals.
Dr. Umar Jelaludeen, chairman of the coalition, stated, “What Governor Dauda has done is purely unjust. There is nothing like ghost workers”.
Jelaludeen questioned the government’s claims that the action was needed to remove ghost workers, criticizing the lack of transparency in the process.
“We are in Zamfara State, and there has been no official announcement of any screening. We just woke up to the breaking news from the government,” he added.
The group contrasted Governor Lawal’s actions with those of his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, praising the former governor for his treatment of civil servants.
“Under Matawalle’s administration, there were no mass sackings. Instead, he created employment opportunities, appointing 8,000 young people into his government,” the coalition stated.
The Coalition of Zamfara Youths expressed concerns that the dismissals could worsen the security situation in Zamfara State and discourage potential investors.
“We have been complaining about insecurity in the state, and this is one of the reasons investors are reluctant to come. We call on Governor Dauda to reinstate the workers, as he is not creating jobs but rather dismissing those already in the system without following due process.”
The statement also raised questions about the state’s financial management, noting that Zamfara has received significant federal funding under Governor Lawal’s administration.
“In the combined 12 years of former Governors Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Matawalle, Zamfara did not receive as much federal funding as it has under Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration in just two years,” the coalition stated.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also voiced its strong opposition to the dismissals.
The NLC recently held a press briefing to protest the governor’s decision to sack over 8,000 workers (a figure higher than that cited by the youth coalition), as well as the alleged failure to implement the national minimum wage in the state.