Zamfara Assembly Declares Minority Leader’s Seat Vacant Over Absenteeism
The Zamfara House of Assembly has declared the seat of the minority leader, Aliyu Ango-Kagara, vacant due to alleged absenteeism, a decision made during the plenary session on Tuesday in Gusau.
Ango-Kagara, who represents the Talata-Marafa South constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has reportedly been absent from the House for 159 days, prompting concerns about his commitment to his legislative duties.
The majority leader, Bello Mazawaje, moved a motion urging the Assembly to declare the lawmaker’s seat vacant, citing that Ango-Kagara had attended only 21 out of the 180 sittings since the House’s inauguration. Mazawaje argued that this violated the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended, along with the standing rules of the House.
Deputy Speaker Adamu Aliyu supported the motion, stressing the importance of upholding the rules of the House and constitutional provisions.
However, some members voiced opposition to the move. Halliru Kuturu suggested exploring alternative disciplinary measures instead of declaring the seat vacant.
Despite the differing views, Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki sided with the majority, ruling that the parliament had no choice but to invoke sections 101 and 109(2) of the Nigerian Constitution. Consequently, he declared Ango-Kagara’s seat vacant due to his persistent absenteeism.
In response, Aliyu Ango-Kagara criticized the House’s decision, calling it unconstitutional. He argued that the Assembly’s action was politically motivated and linked it to his opposition to the suspension of eight lawmakers last year. Ango-Kagara explained that the suspended members were penalized for raising security concerns about their constituencies, and he had called for an end to what he deemed the illegal suspensions.
“This is not about following due process, but about the leadership’s personal interests,” Ango-Kagara said, expressing his belief that the action against him was a form of retaliation for his stance on the suspensions.
