The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, has said that the eight lawmakers who recently announced their defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been suspended long before they decided to leave 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.
According to a statement issued by the Speaker, 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 subsequently led to the institution of a criminal complaint against the affected lawmakers before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Reacting to their reported defection, Moriki described the development as an attempt to divert public attention from the disciplinary issues surrounding their suspension and create the impression of instability within the Assembly.
He maintained that the suspension was not connected to their recent political decision, stressing that it arose from alleged violations of the House rules and other disciplinary matters.
The Speaker further disclosed that the Assembly, on May 13, 2026, approved an extension of the lawmakers’ suspension for another legislative session due to unresolved disciplinary issues.
He cited the reinstatement of two other previously suspended lawmakers, following their apologies to the House, as evidence that the disciplinary measures were not politically motivated or directed at any particular political affiliation.
Moriki also dismissed suggestions that the Assembly was unable to discharge its legislative responsibilities, saying the House currently has 16 active members and continues to conduct its 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 that 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.
