….opposition group accuses Assembly of political witch-hunt
A political group, the Zamfara APC Supporters (ZAS), has criticized the Zamfara State House of Assembly for declaring the seat of the Minority Leader and lawmaker representing Talata Mafara South, Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara, vacant.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Nura Sani Mafara, the group described the move as “an embarrassment emanating from ignorance, abuse of office, and a calculated attempt to sideline the opposition in the Assembly.”
The decision, announced during a plenary session on Tuesday, January 28, was led by Speaker Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, prompting APC supporters argue that the declaration was politically driven and intended to suppress opposition voices in the legislature.
“The lawmakers, most of whom are from the PDP, have been using their positions to suppress dissenting voices, even among their own party members,” the statement read.
“We in the APC refuse to stay silent while our representatives are harassed.”
ZAS also accused Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration of being involved in what it described as political interference within the Assembly.
The group recalled that in January 2024, nine lawmakers were suspended under circumstances it claims violated constitutional provisions and Assembly rules. ZAS further alleged that the affected legislators had their salaries and allowances withheld for raising security concerns on behalf of their constituents.
Hon. Kagara, a veteran legislator serving his fourth term, was sworn into the 7th Assembly on June 8, 2023. The group insists that his removal is unlawful, pointing out that the current legislative session is only six months old.
“The Assembly has barely been functional due to extended recess periods, including a renovation break that delayed the 2025 budget presentation,” the statement noted.
“Despite this, they rushed to declare Kagara’s seat vacant, showing a clear disregard for due process.”
Calling for the National Assembly’s intervention, ZAS warned that the situation could escalate to legal action if not addressed.
“We caution the House against actions that could lead to legal battles, demands for damages, and public apologies,” the group stated.
