The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, has addressed the recent defection of eight lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated that these lawmakers were suspended from the House on 26 February 2024 due to allegations of gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the House, and convening an illegal sitting.
According to the House, the misconduct allegations against the lawmakers included acts bordering on burglary, forcible entry, and destruction of public property. They were accused of breaking into the offices of the Clerk and the Sergeant-at-Arms, forcibly gaining access to the Legislative Chamber, damaging Assembly property, and convening an unauthorised sitting.
The seriousness of the allegations led to a criminal complaint being instituted against the suspended lawmakers before a court of competent jurisdiction. Moriki described their purported defection as an attempt to divert public attention from the substantive disciplinary issues surrounding their suspension and create an erroneous impression of instability within the Assembly.
Moriki emphasised that the Zamfara State House of Assembly is stable, functional, and fully engaged in its constitutional responsibilities. He 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 13 May 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.
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.
Moriki urged the public to distinguish between the political choices of the suspended lawmakers and the longstanding disciplinary proceedings against them. He 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.
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 eight lawmakers were suspended on 26 February 2024 due to allegations of gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the House, and convening an illegal sitting.
- The suspension of the lawmakers was extended for another legislative session on 13 May 2026 due to unresolved disciplinary issues and violations of House rules.
