Zamfara Assembly Stable, Functional Despite Defectors’ Distractions, Says Speaker Moriki

GUSAU, ZAMFARA STATE — The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, has dismissed claims of instability within the parliament, revealing that the eight lawmakers who recently announced their departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) were suspended nearly two years prior for gross misconduct.

Setting the record straight following reports of the defection, Speaker Moriki clarified that the disciplinary action against the members took effect on February 26, 2024. The sanctions followed grave allegations of conspiracy, mischief, contempt of parliament, violating Assembly Standing Orders, and presiding over an illegal sitting.

Beyond procedural breaches, the House disclosed that the affected lawmakers allegedly engaged in criminal acts, including forcible entry, burglary, and destruction of public infrastructure. Specifically, they were accused of breaching the offices of the Clerk and the Sergeant-at-Arms, damaging government property, and breaking into the main Legislative Chamber to hold an unauthorized session. Due to the severity of these acts, formal criminal charges were instituted against them in court.

Addressing their recent political move, Rt. Hon. Moriki characterized the defection as a calculated tactic to mislead the public and obscure their ongoing disciplinary and legal troubles.

He said, “The Zamfara State House of Assembly is stable, functional and fully engaged in its constitutional responsibilities. The purported defection of members who have remained under suspension cannot be presented as evidence of disarray in the House.

“These members were suspended for alleged gross misconduct and serious violations of the Standing Orders of the House, including allegations bordering on forceful entry into offices of the Assembly, destruction of public property and the convening of an unauthorised legislative sitting.

“Their suspension was therefore not a consequence of their present political decision. It substantially predates their purported defection and arose from disciplinary matters within the Assembly.”

Providing further context, the Speaker noted that on May 13, 2026, the Assembly voted to extend the lawmakers’ suspension for an additional legislative session because the disciplinary issues and rule violations remained unresolved. He pointed out that the process was strictly institutional rather than political, highlighting that two previously suspended colleagues who offered formal apologies were reinstated by the House.

Moriki also refuted assertions that the Assembly lacks the required quorum or capacity to carry out its statutory duties, confirming that 16 active members are currently carrying out legislative business in line with constitutional provisions and internal standing rules.

“The House held its plenary last Tuesday and is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow, Monday. There is therefore no basis whatsoever for portraying the Zamfara State House of Assembly as being in disarray,” the Speaker said.

Urging citizens to separate political drama from parliamentary order, Rt. Hon. Moriki maintained that defecting to a new party does not clear any lawmaker of pending disciplinary measures or ongoing court trials. He reiterated the Assembly’s unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law, preserving legislative integrity, and safeguarding state assets.