The Zamfara State House of Assembly is embroiled in a fresh wave of political turmoil as two rival factions held simultaneous sittings on Wednesday, deepening the division within the legislature.
Both groups are calling on Governor Dauda Lawal to re-submit the 2025 budget and to urgently address the state’s worsening insecurity within the next month.
One session was presided over by embattled Speaker Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki.
The second, however, was conducted by 10 lawmakers loyal to Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, who insists he is the legitimate Speaker following Moriki’s impeachment last year over allegations of highhandedness and misconduct.
During their session, Gummi’s camp—which includes members from both the PDP and APC—issued a strong condemnation of the escalating security crisis plaguing all 14 local government areas of the state.
They gave Governor Lawal a one-month ultimatum to curb the persistent threats of armed banditry, kidnappings, and general insecurity.
“The state government appears indifferent to the suffering of the people,” one of the lawmakers stated.
“While insecurity and poverty engulf the state, huge sums are being spent on frivolities, and victims of bandit attacks are left without support.”
The lawmakers also took issue with the state’s recent dismissal of more than 4,000 civil servants, describing the action as arbitrary and devoid of due process.
They called for the immediate reversal of the decision and demanded the prompt payment of all withheld salaries and benefits.
Further criticism was directed at the inadequate resourcing of the state’s local security outfit, the Askarawa.
The faction blamed poor equipment and neglect for the deaths of more than half of the security team during confrontations with criminal elements.
They urged Governor Lawal to channel part of the state’s N2 billion monthly security vote towards compensating families of the deceased.
They proposed, “at least N10 million in compensation for each bereaved family.”
The lawmakers didn’t spare the governor’s associates either, accusing some individuals from neighboring states like Niger, Kaduna, and Adamawa of suddenly acquiring enormous wealth.
“If his associates can build multi-billion-naira mansions after visiting Zamfara, then the governor has no justification for downsizing the workforce under the guise of insufficient resources,” they charged.
In addition, the faction labeled the suspension of their members by Speaker Moriki as invalid and unconstitutional.
They argued that since Moriki had been impeached, he no longer held the authority to take such disciplinary actions.
Among the lawmakers at the Gummi-led sitting were: Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South), Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur Bakura (Bakura), Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (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).
