Zamfara lawmakers accuse state government of withholding salaries

Nine lawmakers from the Zamfara State House of Assembly in Nigeria have come forward with allegations against the state government and the Assembly’s leadership, claiming their salaries and allowances have been withheld for nearly two years. The suspension of these lawmakers, which occurred on February 27, 2024, reportedly followed their public expression of concern over rising insecurity in their constituencies.

According to the lawmakers, their suspension was a direct response to their efforts to address security challenges affecting their areas. Bashir Abubakar, representing Bukkuyum North Constituency, explained that after they raised insecurity issues, they were subsequently suspended. The lawmakers also alleged that attempts were made to arrest them, with security agencies being mobilized against them.

However, the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Moriki, has denied these claims, stating that the lawmakers were suspended for breaching legislative procedures. Moriki explained that the suspended lawmakers had allegedly locked the Assembly chamber and conducted an unauthorized sitting while principal officers were present, which is against established laws and procedures.

The lawmakers have further accused the Assembly of operating illegally and distributing their entitlements among 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. The Assembly has 24 members but has continued legislative activities with only 15 lawmakers.

The Speaker maintained that suspended lawmakers are not entitled to salaries or allowances and that all actions taken by the Assembly were lawful. The matter is currently before the court, with the lawmakers accusing the state government and Assembly of frustrating the legal process. However, the Speaker denied this allegation and disclosed that discussions had been held on reinstating the suspended lawmakers, provided they submit an apology letter to the Assembly, a condition they reportedly rejected.

The situation highlights the ongoing tensions within the Zamfara State House of Assembly and the challenges faced by the suspended lawmakers. With the matter still in court, the next steps will be crucial in determining the outcome for the lawmakers and the future of the Assembly. The development also underscores the need for transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in addressing security concerns and ensuring the welfare of elected representatives.