Zamfara State House of Assembly Faction Elects New Speaker Amid Intimidation Claims

A dramatic turn of events has unfolded in Zamfara State, Nigeria, as a parallel faction of the State House of Assembly has elected Bashar Aliyu Gummi as its Speaker. This move comes amidst allegations of intimidation by the state government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal. The lawmakers have vowed to continue performing their duties, undeterred by the pressure.

According to a statement issued by the faction’s spokesman, Aliyu Ango Kagara, the lawmakers are aware of the “malicious actions” taken against them by the state government. They claim to have written petitions to security agencies at both the state and national levels, as well as approached stakeholders to highlight the situation and the alleged abuse of law by the other faction of the assembly. The lawmakers allege that some of their members were suspended without recourse to the Constitution or the law, and that they have evidence of planned attacks on them and their families by thugs close to the governor.

The situation has become increasingly complex, with the state government attempting to resolve the crisis through meetings with past leaders of the assembly. However, the faction claims that the government has also sought their arrest without charge, obtaining a court order that they deem to be flawed. The order, issued by Justice Halima Jaafar Mikaila, is said to contain errors, including a date referencing the year 2024. The lawmakers argue that the justice failed to specify who should carry out the arrest, leaving them to wonder if the intention is for the governor’s “attack squad” to do so.

Despite these challenges, the faction remains resolute in their commitment to upholding the rule of law. As they stated, “No amount of intimidation… can derail our focused leadership.” They emphasize that their stance on respecting the law remains unshaken, and they will not be deterred from their mandate. The situation in Zamfara State continues to unfold, with the parallel faction of the assembly determined to assert their authority and carry out their duties, despite the obstacles in their path.