Gov. Matawalle concedes defeat, apologises to Zamfara people
Following his loss to Dr Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has accepted his defeat during the March 18th governorship polls and pleaded for forgiveness from the people disappointed by the loss.
Governor Matawalle in a statement on Friday urged the citizens to pray and support the incoming administration of Dr Dauda Lawal to succeed.
Matawalle said that he and all his supporters have submitted to the will of the Almighty Allah as all things happen only by His will, and as such he has to concede defeat in the just concluded polls.
The acceptance by Governor Matawalle is coming four days after the declaration of the March 18th governorship election results.
Neptune Prime reports that the Returning Officer of the Zamfara State Governorship Election, Professor Kashim Shehu of Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi, declared Lawal the Governor-elect of Zamfara after he polled a total of 377,726 votes to defeat Matwalle of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who scored 311,976 votes.
READ ALSO: Gov. Matawalle loses re-election bid to PDP’s Dauda Lawal
According to Channels News, an audio message to the people of Zamfara, confirmed by the chief press secretary to the Governor, Jamilu Iliyasu Birnin Magaji, Mr Matawalle said he did his best in ensuring lasting peace in the state and will continue until the end of his tenure.
He said part of his efforts to restore peace in Zamfara include the initiation of peace dialogue with bandits to lay down arms and toe the path of peace. He added that despite the fact that a good number of the bandits repented, there is nothing more challenging than insecurity bedeviling the state.
“We have achieved political reconciliation and this paved way for peaceful campaign rallies and healthy political activities in the state.
“If I have knowingly or unknowingly offended or hurt the feeling of anyone, I seek his or her forgiveness. I’m a human being like anyone and only Almighty Allah’s deeds or actions are error-free,” Matawalle pleaded.
The Governor also appealed for calm and sympathise with those who have lost their property in the name of celebration.
“We should understand that we have no other place than Zamfara State, no need to attack individuals, properties or threaten the lives of others.
“We are also calling on the incoming administration to work hard to restore peace in the state. We are grateful for the commitment and hard work and resilience of the people of our dear state,” the Governor stated.
Governor Matawalle, the sixth democratically-elected governor of Zamfara lost his re-election bid to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Dauda Lawal.
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