Zamfara State is experiencing a political crisis within its House of Assembly, with two parallel sittings now taking place. The divide has highlighted the growing rift among lawmakers, with each faction calling on Governor Dauda Lawal to re-present the 2025 appropriation bill and address the escalating insecurity in the state within a month.
The split occurred on Wednesday, with one sitting led by Speaker Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, while the other was chaired by a faction of 10 lawmakers under Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi. Gummi’s faction claims that Moriki’s impeachment last year, over alleged misconduct, left him without authority, thereby making Gummi the rightful Speaker.
At the Gummi-led session, members from both the APC and PDP voiced concerns over the state’s deteriorating security situation. They expressed frustration with the state government’s handling of armed banditry, kidnapping, and general insecurity that continues to affect all 14 local government areas. The group issued a one-month ultimatum to Governor Lawal, urging him to take decisive action.
“This administration seems to be indifferent to the suffering of the people,” one lawmaker remarked, referring to the lack of support for victims of bandit attacks while funds are allegedly spent on non-essential matters.
The faction also criticized the recent dismissal of over 4,000 civil servants, which they described as arbitrary and unfair. They demanded that the workers be reinstated immediately, with their salaries and benefits paid without delay.
Further concerns were raised over the state’s security apparatus, particularly the underfunded Askarawa Security Protection Guards. The faction claimed that poor funding led to the deaths of many guards during clashes with criminals. They proposed that the governor allocate part of his N2 billion monthly security vote to provide N10 million compensation for the families of slain guards.
In addition, the lawmakers questioned the governor’s financial priorities, pointing to the sudden wealth of some of his associates from neighboring states. They argued that if these individuals could afford luxurious homes, there was no reason for the governor to downsize the workforce under the pretext of a lack of funds.
The faction rejected Moriki’s suspension of some members, labeling it illegal. They stated that an impeached Speaker had no authority to take such actions.
The Gummi-led faction included Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South), Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur Bakura (Bakura), Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Hon. Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun 1), Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi 1), Hon. Barr. Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Hon. Amiru Ahmed (Tsafe West), Hon. Basiru Bello (Bungudu West), and Hon. Mukhtaru Nasiru (Kaura Namoda North).
With the Assembly now divided into two factions, concerns are growing about the state’s political stability and the effectiveness of governance in Zamfara.
