The Speaker of the Zamfara House of Assembly, Hon Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, has reacted to the defection of eight lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawmakers, representing various constituencies, had cited alleged injustice, lack of unity, insecurity, and poor leadership in the state as reasons for dumping the APC. They submitted their resignation letters to the chairmen of APC in their wards. However, the Speaker said the lawmakers had been suspended from the House long before their purported defection.
The eight lawmakers represent Mafara South, Maradun I, Bakura, Bukkuyum North, Gummi I, Bungudu West, Maru North, and Kaura Namoda North constituencies. Despite their defection, they have not announced their new political party. The Speaker accused the suspended lawmakers of attempting to divert public attention from the substantive disciplinary issues surrounding their suspension. He also said they were trying to create an erroneous impression of instability within the Assembly.
According to the Speaker, the eight lawmakers were suspended on 26 February 2024 over allegations of gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the House, and convening an illegal sitting in violation of the Standing Orders of the Assembly. The allegations also include actions bordering on burglary, forcible entry, and destruction of public property. The Speaker said the lawmakers had forcefully broken into the offices of the Clerk and the Sergeant-at-Arms, and damaged Assembly property.
The Speaker further stated that a criminal complaint was filed against the suspended lawmakers before a court of competent jurisdiction following their actions. He emphasized that the Zamfara State House of Assembly is stable, functional, and fully engaged in its constitutional responsibilities. The purported defection of members who have remained under suspension cannot be presented as evidence of disarray in the House, the Speaker said.
The Zamfara State House of Assembly has been grappling with internal crises, including the suspension of the eight lawmakers. The Speaker's reaction suggests that the Assembly is taking steps to address the issues and maintain its stability. The defection of the lawmakers has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a blow to the APC in the state.
The development has also raised concerns about the state of politics in Zamfara, with many calling for calm and stability in the polity. The eight lawmakers' decision to defect from the APC has created a stir in the state's political landscape. Their new political affiliation is yet to be announced, and it remains to be seen how this development will affect the state's politics.
The Zamfara House of Assembly has assured that it is functioning optimally, despite the challenges posed by the suspension and defection of the lawmakers. The Speaker's statement aims to reassure the public that the Assembly is committed to its constitutional responsibilities and is working to maintain stability in the state.
Key points
- The eight lawmakers were suspended on 26 February 2024 over allegations of gross misconduct and serious violations of the Standing Orders of the House.
- The Speaker accused the suspended lawmakers of attempting to divert public attention from the substantive disciplinary issues surrounding their suspension.
- The Zamfara State House of Assembly is stable, functional, and fully engaged in its constitutional responsibilities, despite the purported defection of the lawmakers.
