The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, has stated that any suspended lawmaker who apologizes for their wrongdoing will be reinstated to continue their legislative duties. This statement was made in Gusau on Monday, reacting to the recent defection of eight suspended members of the Assembly from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The eight lawmakers were suspended on February 26, 2024, over allegations of gross misconduct, including conspiracy, contempt of the House, and convening an illegal sitting. According to Hon. Moriki, their suspension was not due to politics but rather their actions. He also mentioned that two other lawmakers who were earlier suspended had tendered an apology and were instantly reinstated, showing that the doors of the Assembly are still open for reconciliation.
Hon. Moriki described the recent defection of the eight suspended lawmakers as a calculated attempt to create a false impression of crisis in the Assembly. He emphasized that their exit from the ruling APC does not affect the work of the State House of Assembly under his leadership. The Speaker reaffirmed that the House remains stable, functional, and united, and that plenary was held on Tuesday and Monday, with plans to reconvene the following day.
On May 13, 2026, the House approved the extension of their suspension for another legislative session due to unresolved disciplinary issues and pending criminal complaints. These complaints include allegations of burglary, forcible entry, and destruction of public property before a court of competent jurisdiction. Hon. Moriki stressed that a change of political platform does not invalidate disciplinary matters or pending legal proceedings.
The Speaker called on the public to disregard insinuations that the House is in disarray. He highlighted the Assembly's commitment to legislative integrity and its support for the policies of the state government. According to him, the House is working in line with the state's interests and would continue to do so.
Hon. Moriki also mentioned that the Assembly's disciplinary actions are not politically motivated. He cited the example of the two lawmakers who were reinstated after apologizing, demonstrating that the Assembly is open to reconciliation. The Speaker urged the public to be aware of the facts and not to be misled by misinformation.
The Zamfara State House of Assembly has reassured the public of its stability and functionality despite the recent developments. With the Speaker's assurance that suspended lawmakers can be reinstated with an apology, the focus shifts to the Assembly's continued commitment to legislative duties and integrity. The House will continue to work in the best interest of the state, according to Hon. Moriki.
Key points
- The Zamfara State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, has stated that suspended lawmakers can be reinstated if they apologize for their misconduct.
- Eight lawmakers were suspended on February 26, 2024, over allegations of gross misconduct.
- The Speaker emphasized that the Assembly remains stable, functional, and united despite the recent defection of the suspended lawmakers.
