The Forum of Former Legislators of the Zamfara State House of Assembly has threatened to take legal action against the current leadership of the House if it does not reinstate eight suspended members within two weeks.
The Forum’s Secretary, Hon. Yusuf Alhassan Kanoma, made this statement during a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday.
Kanoma condemned the suspension of the members, calling it a violation of the rule of law. He criticized the Assembly for not following due process, stating that as a legislative body, it should protect democratic principles, not undermine them.
He expressed concern over the leadership of Speaker Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki and Clerk Mahmud Aliyu, accusing them of undemocratic practices.
According to Kanoma, the suspension of the eight members was unjust, as they were suspended without following the legal procedures required.
Kanoma also highlighted that the suspension deprived several constituencies of their representation. He referred to the suspension as a personal gain by the Assembly leadership, which resulted in the violation of constitutional rights of the affected members.
The suspended members, including those from various constituencies such as Bakura, Maru North, Bungudu East, and Gummi I, were accused of violating unstated rules of the House while exercising their duties.
Kanoma criticized the Assembly for the unjust suspension, calling it an attack on democracy.
The Forum also intends to report the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), citing violations of the Zamfara State House of Assembly’s rules and the misappropriation of the suspended members’ salaries and entitlements.
Kanoma emphasized that the suspension and the subsequent court proceedings against the suspended members violated their constitutional rights to a fair hearing and legislative privileges. He condemned the Assembly’s actions as an attempt to undermine the separation of powers and democracy.
Despite efforts by influential personalities and committees to mediate the issue, including efforts by the Governor of Zamfara State and other political figures, the leadership of the House, under Speaker Moriki and Clerk Aliyu, refused to resolve the issue, according to Kanoma.
He expressed disappointment that the suspended members were persuaded to withdraw their court cases in good faith, but the House leadership failed to follow through with promises to restore peace and order.
The Forum also condemned the recent declaration of the seat of the Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara, as vacant, calling it a deliberate attempt to escalate the crisis. Kanoma argued that the declaration was made in retaliation against Kagara’s protest for rule of law restoration in the Assembly.
The Forum reaffirmed its position that the actions of the Zamfara State House of Assembly were illegal and unconstitutional. Kanoma called on the leadership of the Assembly, the Governor of Zamfara State, and political leaders from both the PDP and APC to comply with the law.
He urged the Assembly to adhere to its Standing Orders and the Constitution to ensure the restoration of law, justice, and fair representation in all constituencies of the state.
Kanoma concluded by calling for the reversal of the controversial decisions to protect democracy and equal justice in Zamfara.
