The Zamfara State House of Assembly has begun consideration of constitutional amendments aimed at establishing state police. Speaker Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki disclosed this at a press conference in Gusau, stating that the Assembly had considered the constitutional alteration transmitted from the National Assembly on the establishment of state police. This move is expected to complement efforts by President Bola Tinubu and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to address insecurity in the state and across Nigeria.
Moriki dismissed claims of instability within the Assembly, affirming that the House remained functional and committed to its constitutional responsibilities. He addressed the status of some lawmakers who had been suspended from the Assembly, citing allegations of gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the House, and convening an unauthorised sitting. The lawmakers were suspended on February 26, 2024, and their suspension was extended on May 13, 2026, for another legislative session.
The Speaker described the purported defection of the suspended lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an attempt to divert attention from disciplinary proceedings and create an impression of crisis within the Assembly. Moriki emphasised that the purported defection did not affect the functioning of the House, as the lawmakers had remained under suspension. The Assembly has continued to hold plenary sessions and perform its legislative functions, including sittings on October 5 and a scheduled reconvening on the following Tuesday.
Moriki reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to the rule of law, legislative integrity, and the protection of lives and public institutions. He also expressed the lawmakers' support for the policies and development programmes of Governor Lawal. The Speaker's statements aim to reassure the public of the Assembly's dedication to its constitutional responsibilities amidst concerns about instability and insecurity in the state.
The consideration of constitutional amendments for state police is part of a broader effort to address insecurity in Zamfara and Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal have been working to tackle the issue, and the establishment of state police is seen as a potential complement to their efforts. The Speaker's comments suggest that the Assembly is actively engaged in this process, with a focus on enhancing security in the state.
The Zamfara State House of Assembly's commitment to its constitutional responsibilities is crucial in the context of the state's security challenges. By considering the establishment of state police, the Assembly aims to contribute to a more comprehensive approach to addressing insecurity. The Speaker's assurance of the Assembly's functionality and commitment to the rule of law is likely to be seen as a positive development.
The situation in Zamfara State highlights the complexities of addressing insecurity in Nigeria. The consideration of state police and the Assembly's efforts to address internal challenges will be closely watched. The Speaker's statements provide insight into the Assembly's priorities and its approach to addressing the state's security concerns.
Key points
- - The Zamfara State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of constitutional amendments on the establishment of state police. - The Assembly has continued to function despite claims of instability, with Speaker Moriki affirming its commitment to constitutional responsibilities. - The establishment of state police is expected to complement efforts by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal to address insecurity in the state.
