Gladness Gideon
The Zamfara State Rescue Movement (ZSRM) has rejected claims by a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Governor Dauda Lawal’s implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage is a political maneuver rather than a genuine policy.
The pro-democracy group insists that the wage increase reflects a sincere commitment to workers’ welfare and the state’s economic stability.
In a statement on Sunday, ZSRM Coordinator, Hon. Lawal Usman Idris, dismissed suggestions that the governor’s decision was aimed at winning the support of civil servants. Idris, a former senior special assistant to the immediate past governor, emphasized that Lawal’s administration is focused on delivering good governance rather than playing politics.
According to Idris, Governor Lawal has made history as the first leader in Zamfara to implement a national minimum wage of ₦70,000, a move that many state governments have resisted due to economic concerns.
“It is on record that Dr. Dauda Lawal is the first governor in Zamfara State to implement a national minimum wage of ₦70,000 monthly, at a time when most state governments opposed it as untenable,” Idris stated.
While acknowledging the APC faction’s recognition of Lawal as an “action-oriented” governor, Idris maintained that labeling the wage implementation as “deceit” distorts the administration’s efforts to enhance governance and workers’ welfare.
Idris stressed that while political discourse is vital in a democracy, misinformation about government policies could fuel unnecessary public distrust and slow progress.
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“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but spreading misleading narratives about government policies could create unnecessary tension and hinder progress,” he warned.
He urged Governor Lawal to remain focused on his leadership goals, assuring that Zamfara residents would ultimately evaluate his administration based on tangible results, not political rhetoric.
“This is what democracy and good governance are about—improving people’s well-being and restoring the lost glory of the state,” Idris added.
As debates continue over the feasibility of the new minimum wage, Lawal’s administration remains under scrutiny, with many watching to see if the policy translates into lasting economic benefits for the people of Zamfara.