The eight lawmakers who were suspended by the Zamfara State House of Assembly on Sunday said political thugs have forced them to leave the state after they revealed the growing insecurity there.
The legislators stated that security agents have been sent to search for them without justification, so they had to go into hiding.
Bashir Aliyu, speaking on behalf of the suspended lawmakers at a press conference in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Sunday, said they will continue speaking out until action is taken to address the high level of insecurity in Zamfara.
He explained that when they tried to make changes in the assembly leadership, it was to highlight the alleged prolonged absence of the Speaker and his deputy from the state.
However, he added that instead of working to ensure the state's safety, some forces in the state have been harassing them.
He also mentioned that some of the suspended lawmakers were attacked by thugs associated with a state politician during the Deputy Governor’s daughter's wedding on 24 February.
He stated that they have received a letter instructing them to return the official vehicles in their possession to the Clerk of the state assembly within seven days.
Aliyu, who represents the Gumi 1 constituency, stated, “We want to alert everyone that democracy is at risk in Zamfara State despite the ongoing insecurity and other challenges facing the people of the state.
“Therefore, we are calling for the intervention of key stakeholders to improve the situation.”
On February 27, the eight lawmakers were suspended by the state assembly for reportedly holding an unauthorized plenary session.
The eight suspended lawmakers are Bashir Aliyu (PDP-Gummi 1); Amiru Keta (PDP-Tsafe West); Nasiru Abdullahi (PDP-Maru South); Bashir Masama (PDP-Bukkuyum North); Faruku Dosara (APC-Maradun 1); Ibrahim Tukur (APC-Bakura Constituency); Shamsudeen Hassan (APC Talata-Mafara North) and Bashiru Sarkin-Zango (PDP-Bungudu West).
