Civil Servants Shortchanged? Matawalle Accused OF Paying Only ₦7,000 As Salary – Ex-Aide Speaks Out

Idris expressed dissatisfaction with Matawalle’s tenure, describing it as marred by political turmoil, economic stagnation, insecurity, and a lack of direction. He alleged that the former governor failed to pay the statutory minimum wage of ₦30,000, instead opting to pay civil servants as low as ₦7,000.

His remarks came in response to statements made by Yusuf Idris Gusau, a factional Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, who claimed that Governor Dauda Lawal’s implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage was a ploy to win over civil servants.

Idris argued that the APC’s criticism stemmed from envy over Governor Lawal’s achievements within just two years, achievements he claims far exceed the accomplishments of the previous APC-led administration under Matawalle. He maintained that the APC remains bitter over its defeat in the 2023 governorship election.

Representing the Zamfara Rescue Movement, Idris stressed that branding the implementation of the minimum wage as deceitful is an intentional misrepresentation of facts, aimed at inciting citizens against a government they overwhelmingly voted for. He called for the abandonment of divisive politics, urging cooperation to ensure the delivery of democratic dividends.

He further condemned Matawalle’s administration for failing to pay workers and pensioners regularly, suspending promotions and training, and mishandling scarce resources, which demoralized civil servants and hindered productivity. Idris concluded that it was the atmosphere of insecurity and poor governance that led to the people of Zamfara voting out the APC in the 2023 gubernatorial election, marking an end to the era of political instability and economic decline.