By Peter Omopo
The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, has said the eight lawmakers who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress were already under suspension before announcing their change in political affiliation.
Moriki said the lawmakers were suspended on February 26, 2024, following allegations of gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the House and violation of the Assembly’s Standing Orders.
According to the Speaker, the allegations included forcibly entering Assembly offices, damaging public property and gaining unauthorised access to the legislative chamber, where they allegedly held an illegal sitting.
He said the allegations were considered serious enough to prompt the filing of a criminal complaint against the lawmakers before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Reacting to their recent defection, Moriki described the development as an attempt to divert public attention from the disciplinary proceedings against the lawmakers and create the impression that the Assembly was facing a crisis.
The Speaker maintained that the Zamfara Assembly remained stable and functional, with lawmakers continuing to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
Moriki further disclosed that the Assembly, on May 13, 2026, approved an extension of the lawmakers’ suspension for another legislative session because the issues that led to the disciplinary action had not been resolved.
He said the suspension of two other lawmakers had previously been lifted after they apologised to the House, arguing that the decision demonstrated that the disciplinary measures were based on conduct and not political affiliation.
The Speaker also rejected claims that the Assembly lacked the numbers to conduct legislative business, saying 16 active lawmakers were currently participating in its proceedings.
He said the House held plenary the previous Tuesday and was scheduled to reconvene on Monday, insisting that there was no basis for portraying the Assembly as being in disarray.
Moriki urged members of the public to distinguish between the lawmakers’ political decisions and the disciplinary proceedings against them.
He stressed that a change in political affiliation did not automatically invalidate pending legislative or legal matters involving the affected lawmakers.
The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to the rule of law, legislative integrity and the protection of public institutions and property.
