Zamfara lawmakers forced into hiding after exposing insecurity
Eight lawmakers in Zamfara state have been suspended indefinitely from the House of Assembly, alleging they were forced out of the state by political thugs for revealing the escalating security challenges.
The lawmakers claim they are being hunted down by security agents without justification, prompting them to go into hiding.
Speaking on behalf of the suspended lawmakers, Bashir Aliyu stated that their suspension came after they attempted to address the prolonged absence of the Speaker and his deputy from the state, aiming to draw attention to the issue.
According to him, some of the suspended lawmakers were attacked by thugs linked to a politician in the state during the wedding of the Deputy Governor’s daughter on Feb. 24. READ ALSO: Troops raid Zamfara forest, rescue abducted mothers, babies after months
He said a letter with reference no. ZMHA/ADM/223/Vol. 1, dated March 7, 2024, has now directed them to return the official vehicles in their care to the Clerk of the state Assembly within seven days.“We want to notify Nigerians that democracy is in danger in Zamfara despite the prevailing insecurity, poverty and other challenges bedeviling the people of the state.
“We hence call for the intervention of key stakeholders to salvage the situation,” Aliyu who represents Gumi I constituency added.
According to reports, on Feb. 27, the eight lawmakers were suspended by the state assembly for allegedly holding an illegal plenary.The suspension of the eight members was to give room for full investigation. READ ALSO: Troops in Zamfara invade kidnappers’ hideout, rescue 10 victims
The suspended lawmakers are Bashir Aliyu (PDP-Gummi 1); Amiru Keta (PDP-Tsafe West); Nasiru Abdullahi (PDP-Maru South); Bashir Masama (PDP-Bukkuyum North); Faruku Dosara (APC-Maradun 1); Ibrahim Tukur (APC-Bakura Constituency); Shamsudeen Hassan (APC Talata-Mafara North) and Bashiru Sarkin-Zango (PDP-Bungudu West).
