Zamfara Assembly crisis deepens as suspended lawmakers elect parallel speaker

In a dramatic twist to Zamfara State’s unfolding political saga, nine suspended members of the State House of Assembly have announced the formation of a parallel legislative chamber escalating the already tense political atmosphere.

The lawmakers, who were suspended in February 2024 over allegations of misconduct, convened what they called their “inaugural sitting” at an undisclosed location on Wednesday. During the session, they elected Hon. Bashir Aliyu Gummi as their speaker.

The group wasted no time addressing critical issues, including the worsening insecurity across the state, Zamfara’s fragile economy, and what they described as the “mass sack” of civil servants under Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration.

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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.