The Zamfara State House of Assembly has declared the Minority Leader’s seat, held by Aliyu Ango-Kagara, vacant due to alleged absenteeism.
The decision was made at the plenary on Tuesday in Gusau.
Ango-Kagara (APC-Talata-Marafa South) has been allegedly absent from the house for 159 days.
This prompted the Majority Leader, Bello Mazawaje, to move a motion urging members to declare the lawmaker’s seat vacant.
Mazawaje said, “Kagara only attended 21 of the 180 sittings of the House since our inauguration, which violated the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended and standing rules of the house.”
The Deputy Speaker, Adamu Aliyu, also weighed in, stating that “it is of paramount importance to uphold the House rules and constitutional provisions”.
However, not all members were in agreement, with Halliru Kuturu suggesting that the house should explore alternative disciplinary measures against the lawmaker.
Ultimately, the Speaker, Alh. Bilyaminu Moriki, decided that the house had no choice but to implement sections 101 and 109(2) of the Nigerian constitution.
The Speaker, subsequently, declared Kagara’s seat vacant “due to his persistent absenteeism.”
In response, Ango-Kagara described the house’s action as unconstitutional.
“I think, the House was established by law and order not a jungle justice,” he said.
He said the House’s action was connected to his stance on the illegal suspension of eight members of the Assembly.
“Eight out 24 members were suspended by the House last year for raising security matter affecting their constituencies at the plenary.
“I told the leadership of the House to stop the illegal suspension of lawmakers, it is against the House standing rules and constitution,” he said.
