The lawmakers made the claim during an interview with DW Hausa, stating they were punished for speaking out about worsening insecurity in their constituencies. They were suspended on February 27, 2024, leaving their areas without representation since then.
Bashir Abubakar, representing Bukkuyum North Constituency, said the issue began after they raised security concerns during a plenary session.
“We spoke up about insecurity affecting our people, and the government didn’t like it,” Abubakar said. “After that, all nine of us were suspended.”
He further alleged that security agencies were instructed to arrest them post-suspension.
“They got a court order for our arrest,” he said. “If that effort had been used against bandits, they would have been caught by now.”
In response, Zamfara State House of Assembly Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki denied the suspension was linked to insecurity discussions. He cited a breach of legislative rules, emphasizing due process was followed.
“No lawmaker can lock the chamber against others,” Moriki stated.
He explained the suspended members had locked the chamber and held an unauthorized sitting while principal officers were present.
Regarding unpaid salaries, Aliyu Kagara, representing Talata Mafara South Constituency, claimed their salaries and allowances had been withheld for 22 months.
“We haven’t been paid since our suspension,” Kagara said. “Budgets were passed without the required two-thirds majority, despite the Assembly having 24 members.”
The Speaker rejected this, stating suspended lawmakers forfeit salaries and benefits under the law.
“Once suspended, you lose all benefits,” Moriki said.
The suspended lawmakers said they took the matter to court but accused the Assembly and state government of obstructing the process. Moriki dismissed this, clarifying the Assembly did not initiate the case.
“They sued us; we didn’t. We submitted our evidence, and the court is reviewing it,” he said.
He added that Governor Dauda Lawal had agreed to reinstate the lawmakers if they apologized to the Assembly.
“An apology letter would lead to their reinstatement,” Moriki stated.
However, the suspended lawmakers reportedly refused, maintaining their innocence.
With nine of 24 members suspended, concerns grow over representation in affected constituencies as the 2027 elections approach. Legal experts warn prolonged suspensions may violate constitutional guarantees of voter representation, though legislative bodies retain disciplinary powers.
