Zamfara CSO blasts gov Lawal over sack of workers, issues ultimatum

A Zamfara-based civil society group, the Zamfara Civil Society Organisation (ZCSO), has issued a 14-day ultimatum to Governor Dauda Lawal, demanding the immediate reinstatement of recently dismissed civil servants.

In a statement released on Monday, ZCSO’s Secretary, Kabiru Ahmad Bukuyum, strongly condemned the mass sackings, calling them “unjust and detrimental” to the state’s civil service.

According to Bukuyum, the affected workers were reportedly dismissed for absenteeism, but he argued that their absence was due to unpaid salaries rather than negligence.

“The governor’s justification for these suspensions is baseless and unfair. Many of these workers could not report to work because they had not been paid on time. Despite receiving substantial federal allocations, the state government continues to delay salary payments,”; Bukuyum stated.

Bukuyum warned that if the government failed to respond within 14 days, civil society groups and affected workers would be left with no choice but to stage mass protests and occupy government offices until the workers were reinstated.

“Governor Lawal’s decision reflects a blatant disregard for the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. Instead of addressing pressing issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and poor infrastructure, his administration has chosen to inflict unnecessary suffering on workers,”; he added.

The civil society group further accused the governor of failing to prioritize the welfare of civil servants, despite an increase in federal allocations to Zamfara State.

“What the state has received in federal allocations in the past two years surpasses previous administrations’ funding. Yet, salaries remain unpaid, and there is no effort to increase the minimum wage,”; Bukuyum noted.

ZCSO urged Governor Lawal to reconsider his decision and ensure a fair approach to workforce management. The group suggested that instead of mass dismissals, the government should have implemented performance assessments and structured transitions.

“The affected workers, many of whom have served the state diligently, now face an uncertain future. The governor’s silence on their fate speaks volumes about his administration’s lack of empathy. If this injustice is not addressed, it will set a dangerous precedent for governance in Zamfara,”; the statement concluded.

As of now, the state government has not issued an official response to ZCSO’s demands.