Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Umar Audu
Published on 2024-03-17 14:11:29
Eight lawmakers in Zamfara House of Assembly have been suspended indefinitely and claim to have been forced out of the state by political thugs for exposing the deteriorating security situation. The lawmakers also alleged that security agents have been deployed to search for them without justification, leading them to go into hiding. Speaking on behalf of the suspended lawmakers, Bashir Aliyu stated at a press conference in Zaria that they will continue to speak out until action is taken to address the high level of insecurity in Zamfara.
Aliyu explained that their attempt to bring about changes in the leadership of the assembly was to highlight the prolonged absence of the Speaker and his deputy from the state. However, instead of addressing the security challenges in the state, some powerful individuals have targeted them. He recounted how some of the lawmakers were attacked by thugs associated with a politician in the state during the Deputy Governor’s daughter’s wedding on February 24.
The lawmakers received a letter dated March 7, 2024, instructing them to return the official vehicles in their possession to the Clerk of the state Assembly within seven days. Despite facing these challenges, Aliyu emphasized that democracy is under threat in Zamfara and called on stakeholders to intervene and save the situation. The prevailing insecurity, poverty, and other issues affecting the people of Zamfara require urgent attention.
On February 27, the state assembly suspended the eight lawmakers for allegedly convening an illegal plenary session, with the suspension intended to facilitate a thorough investigation. The suspended lawmakers include Bashir Aliyu (PDP-Gummi 1); Amiru Keta (PDP-Tsafe West); Nasiru Abdullahi (PDP-Maru South); Bashir Masama (PDP-Bukkuyum North); Faruku Dosara (APC-Maradun 1); Ibrahim Tukur (APC-Bakura Constituency); Shamsudeen Hassan (APC Talata-Mafara North); and Bashiru Sarkin-Zango (PDP-Bungudu West).
In conclusion, the lawmakers’ suspension and subsequent ordeal illustrate the challenges facing democracy and governance in Zamfara. By speaking out against insecurity and seeking accountability, they have found themselves targeted and marginalized. Their call for intervention from key stakeholders is a plea for support in addressing the critical issues affecting the state. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and whether justice will prevail for the suspended lawmakers.
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