Zamfara Assembly Members Elect New Speaker

A parallel House of Assembly has emerged in Zamfara State after nine suspended lawmakers illegally suspended on the orders of Governor Dauda Lawal elected Bashir Aliyu Gummi as their Speaker.

The lawmakers, who were suspended in February 2024 allegedly on reasons of misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, and illegal sitting, met in Gusau, the state capital, to deliberate on key issues.

The lawmakers who attended the sitting include Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South Constituency), Ibrahim Tudu Tukur (Bakura Constituency), Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North) and Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun 1).

Others are Bashar Aliyu (Gummi 1), Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Amiru Ahmed (Tsafe West), Basiru Bello (Bungudu West), and Mukhtaru Nasiru (Kaura Namoda North).

The suspended lawmakers discussed insecurity, economy, and the alleged sack of civil servants by Governor Dauda Lawal.

They also want Governor Lawal to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

The development comes amid accusations that Governor Lawal has exhibited anti-democratic tendencies and crippled legislative activities in the state.

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) criticized the governor’s actions, saying the suspension of the lawmakers denied the people of Zamfara effective representation.

Their purported suspension has been condemned by many Nigerians including a petition to the National Assembly by the civil society.