Nine lawmakers from the Zamfara State House of Assembly in Nigeria have alleged that the state government and the Assembly’s leadership have withheld their salaries and allowances for nearly two years. Their suspension on February 27, 2024, reportedly followed a public expression of concern over rising insecurity in their constituencies. The lawmakers say the suspension was a direct response to their efforts to address the security challenges affecting their areas.
Bashir Abubakar, representing Bukkuyum North Constituency, explained that after raising insecurity issues, the lawmakers were suspended and faced attempts at arrest, with security agencies mobilised against them. In contrast, Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki denied these claims, stating that the suspension resulted from breaches of legislative procedures. He alleged that the suspended members had locked the Assembly chamber and held an unauthorised sitting while principal officers were present, actions that violate established rules.
The lawmakers further accused the Assembly of operating illegally and diverting their entitlements to serving members. Aliyu Kagara, representing Talata Mafara South Constituency, noted that their salaries had been withheld for 22 months and that budgets were passed without the required quorum. Although the Assembly has 24 members, it has continued legislative activities with only 15 lawmakers.
The Speaker maintains that suspended lawmakers are not entitled to salaries or allowances and that all actions taken by the Assembly were lawful. The dispute is now before the courts, with the suspended members accusing the state government and Assembly of obstructing the legal process. The Speaker refuted this allegation, revealing that discussions about reinstating the suspended lawmakers were held on the condition that they submit an apology letter to the Assembly—a condition they reportedly rejected.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the Zamfara State House of Assembly and the challenges faced by the suspended lawmakers. With the matter still pending in court, the next steps will be crucial in determining the outcome for the legislators and the future of the Assembly. The development underscores the need for transparency and accountability in governance, especially in addressing security concerns and ensuring the welfare of elected representatives.
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