Shinkafi to Matawalle: Account for Zamfara gold reserve

Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and a Zamfara North senatorial aspirant, has issued a formal demand for transparency regarding the Zamfara State Gold Reserve Initiative, which was launched under the leadership of former Governor Bello Matawalle. In a statement released on behalf of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Shinkafi called on the current Zamfara State Government to provide detailed information on the gold reserves acquired during Matawalle’s tenure. This includes specifics such as the quantity of gold obtained, its current location, and the nature of its transfer to the subsequent administration led by Governor Dauda Lawal in 2023.

The controversy surrounding the initiative dates back to October 2020, when Matawalle presented 31 kilograms of gold and precious stones to then-President Muhammadu Buhari. At the time, the governor claimed that these reserves were acquired to bolster Zamfara's financial stability. According to the statement, the current estimated value of this gold is approximately N5.95 billion. Shinkafi's inquiry seeks clarification on the exact amount of gold procured under the initiative, its storage location, and whether it was formally transferred to the new administration. Additionally, the group is requesting information on the miners, companies, and licensing processes associated with the procurement of the gold.

A central concern raised by Shinkafi and his team revolves around the Federal Government’s suspension of mining activities in Zamfara between 2019 and 2025. This measure was implemented as part of broader efforts to address insecurity and curb illegal mining operations. Shinkafi pointed out that the government had previously identified illegal mining as a contributing factor to the prevalence of armed banditry in the region. Therefore, the question arises: How did the Matawalle administration manage to acquire gold from local miners during a period when mining was officially prohibited?

Shinkafi’s statement directly challenges the legitimacy of the governor’s actions, questioning whether the engagement in gold trading was authorized given the federal moratorium. He posed the query: "Who approved then Governor Bello Matawalle government’s engagement in gold trade which he claimed he bought from local miners?" This highlights a potential legal and ethical dilemma, suggesting that the acquisition of gold might have violated existing regulations.

The group has set a deadline of 14 days for the current Zamfara State Government to release the handover notes and transition committee reports related to the gold reserve initiative. Failure to comply could result in the filing of complaints with several regulatory bodies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the National Fraud Investigation Unit (NFIU), and the Office of the National Security Adviser. These institutions are tasked with investigating matters of corruption, fraud, and illegal activities.

This situation underscores a growing public interest in transparency and accountability in governance, particularly concerning the use of public resources. As the demand for clarity intensifies, the outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for both the current and past administrations, potentially leading to further scrutiny and possible legal action. The ongoing developments reflect a broader trend of increased civic engagement and oversight in Nigerian politics.