The Zamfara State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that the recent defection of some lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC) has plunged the legislature into crisis, saying disciplinary proceedings against the affected members predated their political move.
Speaker Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki said the lawmakers had been suspended since February 26, 2024, over allegations of gross misconduct, contempt of the House, conspiracy and violation of the Assembly’s Standing Orders.
He said the lawmakers were accused of breaking into the offices of the Clerk and Sergeant-at-Arms, forcing their way into the legislative chamber, damaging public property and holding an unauthorised sitting.
Moriki said the Assembly later extended their suspension on May 13, 2026, because the disciplinary matters remained unresolved.
He described their subsequent defection as an attempt to portray the disciplinary action as politically motivated.
“The suspension was not connected to their recent political decision,” the Speaker said, insisting that it arose from alleged violations of House rules and other disciplinary matters.
He said the Assembly currently had 16 active lawmakers and remained capable of performing its constitutional responsibilities.
Moriki said the House held plenary last Tuesday and was scheduled to reconvene on Monday, maintaining that there was no basis for claims that the legislature had been paralysed by the defections.
He also cited the reinstatement of two previously suspended lawmakers after they apologised to the House as evidence that the disciplinary process was not targeted at members because of their political affiliations.
The Speaker urged the public to distinguish between the lawmakers’ decision to change political parties and the disciplinary and legal proceedings against them.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to the rule of law and the protection of public institutions and property.
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