Suspended Zamfara lawmakers flee state, allege threat to life

Eight lawmakers who were suspended by the Zamfara State House of Assembly have fled the state, alleging threats to their lives by political thugs.

The lawmakers, who were suspended for allegedly holding an illegal plenary, claim they have been targeted for exposing the increasing wave of insecurity in Zamfara State.

The suspended lawmakers include 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).

At a press conference held in Zaria, Kaduna State, Bashir Aliyu, speaking on behalf of the suspended lawmakers, said they had been forced to flee to Kaduna State due to threats from security agents allegedly sent to hunt them without any valid reason.

Aliyu stated that they would continue to speak out until action is taken to address the high level of insecurity in Zamfara State.

The suspended lawmakers also pointed out their efforts to effect changes in the leadership of the Assembly, which they claim was aimed at drawing attention to the prolonged absence of the Speaker and his Deputy from the state.

However, instead of addressing their concerns, they allege that they have faced harassment and threats from forces within the state.

Aliyu further mentioned an incident where some of the suspended lawmakers were attacked by thugs linked to a politician in the state during the wedding of the Deputy Governor’s daughter on February 24.

The lawmakers revealed that they had received a letter dated March 7, directing them to return the official vehicles in their care to the Clerk of the State Assembly within seven days.

Aliyu, who represents the Gumi 1 constituency, said, “We want to notify you that democracy is in danger in Zamfara State despite the prevailing insecurity and other challenges bedevilling the people of the state.

“We, hence, call for the intervention of key stakeholders to salvage the situation.”