The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, has said the eight lawmakers who recently announced their defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) were suspended long before they left the party.
Moriki said the lawmakers were suspended on February 26, 2024, over allegations of gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the House and convening an unauthorised sitting in violation of the Assembly’s Standing Orders.
Allegations against the lawmakers
In a statement, the Speaker said the lawmakers were also accused of breaking into the offices of the Clerk and the Sergeant-at-Arms, forcibly entering the legislative chamber and damaging public property before holding an unauthorised sitting.
The allegations led to a criminal complaint against them before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Attempt to divert attention”
Reacting to the reported defection, Moriki described it as an attempt to divert public attention from the disciplinary issues surrounding their suspension and to create the impression of instability within the Assembly.
He maintained that the suspension was unrelated to their recent political decision, stressing that it arose from alleged violations of House rules and other disciplinary matters.
Suspension extended
The Speaker said the Assembly, on May 13, 2026, extended the suspension for another legislative session because of unresolved disciplinary issues.
He cited the reinstatement of two other suspended lawmakers, after they apologised to the House, as evidence that the disciplinary measures were not politically motivated or aimed at any political affiliation.
Assembly still functioning
Moriki dismissed suggestions that the Assembly cannot carry out its legislative duties, saying the House has 16 active members and continues to conduct proceedings in line with the Constitution and its Standing Orders.
He said the Assembly held plenary last Tuesday and was scheduled to reconvene on Monday, October 5, 2026, insisting there was no basis for portraying the legislature as being in disarray.
The Speaker urged the public to distinguish between the political decisions of the suspended lawmakers and the disciplinary proceedings against them, adding that changing political parties does not automatically invalidate pending legislative or legal matters.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Assembly’s leadership and members to the rule of law, legislative integrity and the protection of public institutions and property.
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