Zamfara: Suspended lawmakers say Govt withheld salaries

Nine suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have accused the state government and the Assembly leadership of withholding their salaries and allowances for nearly two years following their suspension.

The lawmakers made the allegation in an interview with DW Hausa on Tuesday, claiming they were suspended on February 27, 2024, after raising concerns over insecurity in their constituencies.

One of the lawmakers, Bashir Abubakar, who represents Bukkuyum North Constituency, said the group was singled out after speaking on security challenges affecting their areas.

“We raised issues of insecurity affecting our people, and shortly after, nine of us were suspended,” he said.

The lawmakers also alleged that following their suspension, attempts were made to arrest them, claiming security agencies were mobilised against them.

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In response, the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Moriki, denied the claims, insisting that the lawmakers were suspended for breaching legislative procedures, not for raising security concerns.

According to Moriki, the suspended lawmakers allegedly locked the Assembly chamber and conducted an unauthorised sitting while principal officers were within the Assembly complex.

“No lawmaker has the right to lock the chamber against other members. The Assembly acted in line with established laws and procedures,” the Speaker said.

On the issue of salaries, the suspended lawmakers accused the Assembly of operating illegally and sharing their entitlements among serving members. Aliyu Kagara, who represents Talata Mafara South Constituency, said their salaries had been withheld for 22 months.

He also alleged that budgets were passed without the constitutionally required quorum, noting that the Assembly has 24 members but has continued legislative activities with only 15 lawmakers.

However, the Speaker maintained that suspended lawmakers are not entitled to salaries or allowances, adding that all actions taken by the Assembly were lawful.

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The lawmakers confirmed that the matter is currently before the court, though they accused the state government and Assembly of frustrating the legal process, an allegation denied by the Speaker.

Moriki disclosed that discussions had been held on reinstating the suspended lawmakers, adding that Governor Dauda Lawal had agreed to their return on the condition that they submit an apology letter to the Assembly, a demand the lawmakers reportedly rejected.