By Abubakar Musa
It is a general belief among Africans that inheritance is a sacred trust, passed from one generation to the next by birth-right. So, only when a person dies without an heir, might strangers step in to assume the role of caretakers, guided by a solemn duty to honour the deceased’s legacy. In all cases, inheritance is certainly not transferred when the principal is still alive. Yet, in Zamfara today, it appears that Governor Dauda Lawal Dare has taken this principle of inheritance and turned it on its head. This would explain why despite Zamfara being a state filled with capable sons and daughters, he has instead chosen to fill key positions in his administration with appointees from outside Zamfara, appointing “strangers” to influential roles within his government.
While some, especially those whose houses are not on fire, may argue that expertise knows no boundaries and that a governor should appoint the most qualified individuals regardless of origin, Governor Dauda’s actions have nonetheless triggered a backlash and rightfully so. This is because, these appointments inadvertently imply that there are no competent Zamfara natives available to serve, or that his trust in his people only extends as far as securing their votes, and this is most unfortunate.
It goes without saying that this perception, whether intentional or not, reflects poorly on his administration’s commitment to empowering Zamfara’s own talented professionals and leaders of which there are many traversing every field of human endeavour.
The consequence of Dauda’s appointments is a heightened sense of distrust that is now festering in Zamfara and no one can blame the people. It’s not every day that a state known to command its fair share of educated professionals, seasoned politicians, and capable leaders across sectors overlooks them to import personnel to man so many pivotal roles. This could only mean one thing, that Dauda does not believe his people are qualified to occupy these positions. That he believes competent hands can only be found beyond Zamfara’s borders. This raises pertinent questions about all his other appointments. I suspect Dauda could have appointed his entire cabinet from outside the state if he believes he could get away with it. I believe the governor ought to be told that his approach undermines the state’s human capital and the very individuals who helped bring him to power. He must be told that his actions imply that while he values the votes of Zamfara indigenes, he does not value their ability.
Everywhere in Nigeria’s complex federal structure, states intentionally empower their indigenes, offering them leadership opportunities as a means of nurturing home-grown talent. By elevating locals, governors are inadvertently strengthening their state’s identity, building institutional knowledge, and preparing individuals to represent the state on national stages. Sadly, Dauda’s strange decision to appoint so many from outside Zamfara is not only seen by many as puzzling, but also as an affront to the collective intelligence and potential within Zamfara.
Of all the appointments given to outsiders as illustrated below, only that of Professor Kabiru Mato from Kaduna State, drafted in as Special Adviser on Policy and Administration carries a semblance of deep knowledge. Even here, many have questioned the wisdom behind appointing a university professor as an adviser when other states prefer very young vibrant individuals to man such roles.
As for the rest, people like Ibrahim Modibbo from Adamawa State who is the Special Adviser on Protocol Matters, Mannir Baba from Taraba State who holds the significant role of Principal Private Secretary to the governor and Barau from Niger State who is the Economic Adviser to the governor, these are roles that can be conveniently filled by Zamfara’s avalanche of seasoned professionals and leaders.
Others like Suleiman Bala Idris from Kano State who plays the role of the governor’s spokesperson and Rakiya Ahmad Dodo who hails from Katsina State and heads the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service as its chairperson are very disturbing. Such blatant disregard for home grown talents is, to say the latest, demoralising to Zamfara indigenes who possess the right qualifications and experience but who have been passed off for these ‘wayfarers’.
Indeed, the sheer number of these appointments from outside the state is not just unusual; it has become a point of contention. The point must be reiterated that Zamfara, despite its challenges, has capable people who could have occupied these posts. By choosing otherwise, Dauda has effectively endorsed a narrative; an indictment that Zamfara lacks qualified individuals, and this interpretation is not only far from flattering for his administration, it is an insult to the hardworking people of the state.
No surprise that these appointments have predictably, reignited discussions around Dauda’s identity. Many can recall the identity controversies surfaced during his campaign, questioning his ties to Zamfara and his loyalty to its people. Unless one wants to play the ostrich, it is very clear that Dauda does not trust his people and is using these key appointments to alienate himself from the community that trusted him with the governorship. This decision already casts an ominous shadow over his administration. It gets worse because he has lost touch with the people he was elected to serve, explaining why he is yet to catch wind of the disaffection these self-serving appointments are fetching for him.
While every state may appoint a few outsiders to specialised positions where local expertise is lacking, Dauda’s reliance on external hires is, by any measure, excessive. It reflects a blatant lack of faith in the potential of Zamfara’s people, making them come off as a charity case, dependent on outside help for effective governance. Other states take pride in cultivating their leaders, who can both serve their communities and gain the experience needed for larger roles on the national stage. Dauda’s approach, by contrast, denies his state’s professionals the opportunity to serve and gain valuable governance experience, earning him the traditional title of Giginya – the African Fan Palm whose shade only provides cover for those very far from it.
Expectedly, these appointments have fuelled resentment and sparked questions. What does Dauda’s government hope to achieve by filling these roles with individuals from far-flung states? The state’s citizens, who watched his ascent with hope and anticipation, are left to wonder: if Zamfara is good enough to give Dauda their votes, why aren’t they good enough to hold key roles in his administration? The people of Zamfara, who should be the primary beneficiaries of their own government’s opportunities, instead see a roster of outsiders occupying roles they expected to be filled by their own.
At a time when Nigeria is facing profound social and economic challenges, states are looking inward, developing their citizens, and nurturing talents that can be deployed both within and beyond their borders. Sadly, Dauda is doing the opposite. Empowering local talent not only builds state pride but also strengthens the entire nation. How Does Dauda not see that with every appointment from outside the state, he’s distancing himself from this vision, creating an administration that feels alien to those it governs.
The implications of Dauda’s actions are far-reaching. It is my belief that by overlooking local talent, Dauda risks or is already turning his back on the very people he was elected to represent. This disconnection could become a point of friction in future interactions with his constituents, who may begin to view his administration as detached and dismissive of their contributions and nobody will blame them. He already faces criticism from those who perceive his decisions as a betrayal of Zamfara’s trust, compounding the identity questions that have dogged him.
Ultimately, a government’s strength lies in its relationship with the people it serves. For someone who can’t be blamed for nurturing a second term ambition, Governor Dauda’s government, populated as it were with “strangers” at key levels, will certainly struggle to reconnect with the people of Zamfara on a meaningful level.
His approach already sends the message that Zamfara’s talents are expendable; at worst, it projects a fundamental distrust between the governor and his people and this could prove costly for his future ambitions. As Governor Dauda moves forward, he must remember that the truest legacy is built not by outsiders, but by those whose lives and fortunes are woven into the very fabric of Zamfara. Ultimately however, he must remember that it is to these people he will return to seek re-election if he makes it that far.
•Musa writes from Abuja.
