From:Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Following the Federal Court of Appeal verdict in Abuja, on Friday, which declared as inconclusive, the election that produced Dauda Lawal as Governor of Zamfara State, thereby sacking him from the position, thousands of residents of the state from the 14 local government areas took to major streets of the state capital, Gusau, chanting different songs in Hausa, “Allah yadawo muna da abinda muka zaba” meaning “ God Almighty has finally brought back what we voted for as our governor.
Reports emanating from the state indicated that the people were generally happy with the judgment because according to them, they were missing the leadership style of Matawalle, which was full of sympathy and kindness.
As a result of the judgment, some residents of Gusau went around roasted meat stands, buying everything and giving it out to people to eat for free.
Reacting to the verdict, a widow, Malama Kulu, who has orphans alleges, “myself and my four children whose father was killed in his farm 4 months ago, were evicted by police on the directives of governor Dauda, from the Houses built by former governor Matawalle, which the Honourable Minister for humanitarian Affairs asked us to temporary stay.
A class Emir who declined to mention his name alleged that “When Matawalle was in office as the governor, he was accessible and he has been paying our salaries and cash allocations every month for the smooth running of our heritage institutions, but now we are owing 4 months salaries along with cash allocations.
Another highly respected Muslim scholar in the state said, “The masses have missed gov. Matawalle for extending his hands of fellowship to them every season with foodstuffs, especially during Sallah and other festivities.
The reports also indicate that the 60,000 civil servants in the state sacked by Governor Dauda’s administration are also jubiliating saying “God Almighty had finally answered our prayers”.
