The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, has addressed the recent defection of eight lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Moriki, these lawmakers were suspended from the house on February 26, 2024, due to allegations of gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the house, and convening an illegal sitting. The suspension was a result of serious infractions that went beyond procedural issues.
The affected lawmakers were accused of acts bordering on burglary, forcible entry, and destruction of public property. They allegedly broke into the offices of the clerk and the sergeant-at-arms, forcibly gained access to the Legislative Chamber, damaged Assembly property, and convened an unauthorized sitting. These allegations led to the institution of a criminal complaint against the suspended lawmakers before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Reacting to their purported defection, Rt. Hon. Moriki described the development as an attempt by the suspended members to divert public attention from the substantive disciplinary issues surrounding their suspension. He emphasized that the Zamfara State House of Assembly is stable, functional, and fully engaged in its constitutional responsibilities. The speaker noted that the purported defection of members who have remained under suspension cannot be presented as evidence of disarray in the House.
The speaker further explained that on May 13, 2026, the House approved extending the suspension for another legislative session due to unresolved disciplinary issues and violations of House rules. He noted that two other lawmakers who had earlier been suspended subsequently tendered apologies to the House and were reinstated, demonstrating that the disciplinary measures were neither politically motivated nor targeted at any political affiliation.
Rt. Hon. Moriki dismissed suggestions that the Assembly lacked the capacity to conduct legislative business, stressing that the house currently has 16 active members and continues to conduct its proceedings in accordance with the Constitution and its Standing Orders. The House held its plenary last Tuesday and is scheduled to reconvene the following Monday.
The speaker urged the public to distinguish between the political choices of the suspended lawmakers and the longstanding disciplinary proceedings against them. He emphasized that a change of political platform does not extinguish or invalidate matters of legislative discipline or pending legal proceedings arising from alleged misconduct.
The speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the leadership and members of the Assembly to the rule of law, legislative integrity, and the protection of public institutions and property. The Zamfara State House of Assembly continues to function effectively despite the suspension of the eight lawmakers.
Key points
- The Zamfara State House of Assembly has 16 active members and continues to conduct its proceedings in accordance with the Constitution and its Standing Orders.
- The suspended lawmakers were accused of serious infractions, including burglary, forcible entry, and destruction of public property.
- The disciplinary measures against the suspended lawmakers were not politically motivated, according to the speaker.
