Suspended Zamfara lawmakers elect parallel speaker
Nine suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have announced the formation of a parallel legislative chamber and elected a new speaker in a move that threatens to deepen the political crisis in the state. The lawmakers, who were suspended in February 2024 for alleged misconduct, held what they described as an inaugural […]
Nine suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have announced the formation of a parallel legislative chamber and elected a new speaker in a move that threatens to deepen the political crisis in the state.
The lawmakers, who were suspended in February 2024 for alleged misconduct, held what they described as an inaugural sitting at an undisclosed location on Wednesday.
During the session, they elected Hon. Bashir Aliyu Gummi as speaker and deliberated on key issues including insecurity, the state’s economic situation, and the alleged mass sack of civil servants by Governor Dauda Lawal.
The group further directed Governor Lawal to resubmit the 2025 Appropriation Bill, which had earlier been presented to the House.
The lawmakers present at the session include Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South), Ibrahim Tudu Tukur (Bakura), Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun 1), Bashar Aliyu (Gummi 1), Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Amiru Ahmed (Tsafe West), Basiru Bello (Bungudu West), and Mukhtaru Nasiru (Kaura Namoda North).
Their suspension followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Bello Mazawaje (PDP–Tsafe East), who accused them of breaching Order 10, Rule 9 of the House.
According to Mazawaje, the lawmakers forcibly entered the offices of the Clerk and Sergeant-at-Arms, conducted an unauthorised session, and obstructed other members from accessing the assembly chamber.
Deputy Speaker Adamu Aliyu (PDP–Gummi 2) described the actions of the suspended members as “unfortunate,” stressing the need for disciplinary measures to uphold the integrity of the legislative process in the state.