In a major turn of events, 18 of the 24 legislators in the Zamfara State House of Assembly have taken the ultimate step of impeaching the Speaker, Hon. Bilaminu Moriki. On Thursday night, the legislators held an emergency meeting and unanimously approved Hon. Bashar Gummi as pro-tempore Speaker.
The Speaker’s impeachment appears to be tied to a resolution proposed by Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi, who represents the Maru Constituency. The fundamental reason for this unusual step, according to lawmakers, was the state’s rising insecurity as a result of recurrent bandit attacks on towns.
It is worth noting that the impeached Speaker was away from the state for several days prior to this occurrence. Hon. Shamsudeen Basko, representing Talata Mafara, highlighted that MPs have expressed to the new Speaker that tackling the issue of insecurity is critical. He emphasized the critical necessity for concerted effort to protect Zamfara inhabitants, who have been harmed by armed bandits storming local government headquarters without resistance.
“I have two difficulties, but one point was made: insecurity has been causing concern among Zamfara inhabitants; some have been slain and abducted. We must stand up and defend our people because armed bandits are storming local government headquarters unopposed. Let us call upon the government to act now to protect our people,” added Hon. Shamsudeen Basko.
Meanwhile, it has been claimed that Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal is now absent from the state, adding to the already complex political situation.