Zamfara State Assembly in Crisis as Parallel Sittings Emerge

The political climate in Zamfara State took a turbulent turn as ten lawmakers, recently suspended by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, convened a parallel plenary session in Gusau. The lawmakers, drawn from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declared their suspension illegal, misleading, and lacking any constitutional backing.

At the core of the unfolding drama is the reaffirmation of Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi as the Speaker of the Assembly. The lawmakers, in a bold move, insisted that the impeachment of Speaker Moriki last year over allegations of misconduct and autocratic leadership still stands. They argued that Moriki’s continued claim to the speakership is invalid and serves to undermine legislative integrity and democratic order in the Zamfara state.

Zamfara State Assembly Factional Speaker Issues Ultimatums to Governor Lawal

Presiding over the parallel session, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi issued a stern one-month ultimatum to Governor Dauda Lawal to urgently tackle the escalating spate of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes ravaging the state. Gummi, who represents Gummi 1 Constituency, lamented that Zamfara state residents continue to live in fear due to the deteriorating security situation.

Furthermore, the factional assembly gave a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The lawmakers described the version submitted to the Moriki-led Assembly as illegitimate, emphasizing that only a properly constituted House, under legitimate leadership, has the constitutional mandate to consider such a vital financial document.

Civil Service Sackings Under Fire

During their sitting, the suspended lawmakers also took issue with the recent dismissal of over 3,000 civil servants by the Zamfara state government. They argued that the mass sackings lacked due process and warned that such actions risk exacerbating the Zamfara state’s already fragile security and socio-economic conditions.

The lawmakers called on Governor Lawal to reverse the dismissals immediately, reinstate the affected workers, and settle all outstanding salaries and entitlements. They expressed concern that the decision to retrench thousands without alternative plans would only swell the ranks of the unemployed and potentially provide recruitment grounds for criminal gangs operating across Zamfara State

Legitimacy Crisis and Assembly Leadership Dispute

The crux of the Zamfara State Assembly’s dysfunction lies in the unresolved leadership tussle. According to the lawmakers, the impeachment of Speaker Moriki remains valid and was executed in accordance with legislative rules. They accused Moriki of manipulating the Assembly to serve executive interests and violating the principles of democratic governance.

The faction insisted that they remain the legitimate voice of their constituents and pledged to continue exercising their legislative functions under the leadership of Bashar Aliyu Gummi. They also warned against any attempts to use security forces to intimidate or silence dissenting lawmakers, urging for the restoration of constitutional order in the Zamfara state Assembly.

List of Lawmakers Participating in the Parallel Session

The lawmakers who attended the Gusau sitting include Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South), Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur (Bakura), Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi (Maru North), Hon. Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun 1), Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi 1), Hon. Barr. Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Hon. Amiru Ahmed (Tsafe West), Hon. Basiru Bello (Bungudu West), and Hon. Mukhtaru Nasiru (Kaura Namoda North).

As tensions within the Zamfara State Assembly deepen, political observers warn that unless swift action is taken to reconcile the factions, the legislative impasse may hamper governance and compound the state’s myriad security and developmental challenges. The coming days will be crucial as both sides dig in for what could become a protracted battle for legitimacy and control of Zamfara State’s legislative arm.