The Zamfara State House of Assembly has rejected suggestions that the recent defection of eight lawmakers has plunged the legislature into crisis, saying the affected members had already been suspended for disciplinary offences before their change of political affiliation.
Speaker Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki said the lawmakers’ suspension dates back to February 26, 2024, following allegations of gross misconduct, conspiracy, contempt and violations of the Assembly’s Standing Orders. He maintained that the disciplinary action was unrelated to their latest political decision.
According to TVC News, the Speaker said the allegations against the lawmakers included unauthorised access to Assembly offices and the legislative chamber, alleged damage to public property and the conduct of a sitting outside the established rules of the House. He added that the matter had also resulted in a criminal complaint before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Moriki further disclosed that the Assembly, on May 13, 2026, extended the lawmakers’ suspension for another legislative session because the issues surrounding the disciplinary action had not been resolved. He noted that the suspension of two other lawmakers had earlier been lifted after they apologised, which he cited as evidence that the measures were not targeted at members because of their political affiliations.
The Speaker also dismissed claims that the House had become incapable of functioning, saying 16 lawmakers remained active in legislative proceedings. He said the Assembly had continued to hold plenary sessions and was scheduled to reconvene, insisting that the political movement of suspended members should not be interpreted as evidence of instability within the legislature.
Moriki urged the public to separate the lawmakers’ decision to defect from the disciplinary proceedings against them, stressing that a change in political allegiance does not automatically terminate existing legislative or legal processes. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to maintaining its constitutional responsibilities and protecting the integrity of the institution.
