Crisis Breaks Out In Zamfara Assembly as Lawmakers Form Parallel Legislature, Challenge Governor 

Crisis Breaks Out In Zamfara Assembly as Lawmakers Form Parallel Legislature, Challenge Governor

 

 

A political storm has hit the Zamfara State House of Assembly following the suspension of ten lawmakers, who have now formed a parallel legislative body, deepening tensions just days after Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 

 

The rebellious lawmakers — drawn from both the ruling PDP and opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) — convened independently in Gusau, where they held what they described as a legitimate legislative session.

 

The group, led by Bashar Aliyu Gummi as Speaker, declared the suspension illegal and politically motivated. Gummi was reportedly elected Speaker after the group impeached Biliyaminu Ismail Moriki, citing majority support from 18 out of 24 Assembly members.

 

During their session, the lawmakers issued a one-month ultimatum to Governor Lawal to address the worsening security crisis in the state. Zamfara, which has struggled with rampant banditry and kidnappings, has come under intense criticism for what the legislators called the government’s “weak and indifferent” response.

 

“The people of Zamfara deserve protection and decisive leadership,” Gummi said. “We will no longer remain silent while lives are lost and communities are destroyed.”

 

The faction also highlighted the deteriorating conditions of local security outfits, particularly the Askarawa (Security Protection Guards), citing poor funding and neglect of welfare.

 

In a striking turn, the lawmakers raised allegations of corruption, claiming that associates of Governor Lawal from Niger, Kaduna, and Adamawa states had allegedly acquired multi-billion-naira properties after visits to Zamfara. The implication: possible financial misconduct at the highest levels of the state government.

 

The lawmakers further criticized the dismissal of state civil servants and accused the administration of constitutional violations, signaling what may become an extended period of political instability in Zamfara.