Gov Dauda Lawal says administration will not tolerate diversion of public funds
The Zamfara State Government has dismissed Dalha Umar Gummi, a Director with the Zamfara Urban and Regional Planning Board, ZUREPB, over the alleged diversion of ₦3,899,000 meant for the dependants of the late Isa Aliyu Gummi.
The decision was announced on Friday following an investigation by the Office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
According to findings from the investigation, the state government had released a total of ₦9,195,000 for the payment of entitlements to the family and dependants of the deceased.
However, only ₦5,295,000 was confirmed to have been paid out to the beneficiaries. The panel could not account for the remaining ₦3,899,000 that was in the custody of the director.
Sources speak to The Spectacles that the funds were released specifically to be distributed to the heirs of the late Isa Aliyu Gummi as part of government’s welfare support for families of deceased civil servants.
Following the discovery, the missing amount was recovered and subsequently paid to the rightful beneficiaries.
Confirming the development, Governor Dauda Lawal approved the immediate dismissal of the director.
In a statement, the government said the act of diverting or misusing public funds without authorization violates the principles of accountability and the rules guiding public service in the state.
The statement noted that the dismissal was carried out in line with Civil Service Rules 030401 and 030402, which deal with financial misconduct and breach of public trust by government officials.
Dalha Umar Gummi was serving at the Zamfara Urban and Regional Planning Board, ZUREPB, before his sack.
The Head of Service of Zamfara State, Alhaji Shehu Baraya, reiterated the commitment of the Dauda Lawal administration to transparency, accountability and discipline in the management of public resources.
He said the government would not shield any public officer found to be involved in the misappropriation of public funds, no matter their position.
“Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration is determined to ensure that public funds are used for the purpose they are meant for. Anyone found diverting government money will face the full weight of the law and civil service rules,” Baraya stated.
He added that the recovery and payment of the money to the deceased’s family was a clear signal that the government prioritizes the welfare of its citizens and the families of former workers.
The sack has been welcomed by civil society groups in the state who have been calling for stricter action against corruption in government ministries and agencies.
Many residents said the move would serve as a deterrent to other public officials and restore confidence in how government handles welfare payments and entitlements.
The Zamfara Government said it will continue to strengthen internal audit mechanisms to prevent future cases of diversion of funds meant for vulnerable groups and beneficiaries of government programs.
