State Police: We’re fully engaged with constitutional responsibilities – Zamfara Speaker

Zamfara State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of constitutional amendments on the establishment of state police, the Speaker, Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, has said.

Moriki disclosed this on Monday night at a press conference in Gusau, where he also dismissed claims of instability within the Assembly, saying the House remained functional and committed to its constitutional responsibilities.

The Speaker said the Assembly had on Monday considered the constitutional alteration transmitted from the National Assembly on the establishment of state police.

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He said the initiative would complement efforts by President Bola Tinubu and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to address insecurity in the state and across the country.

The Speaker said, “This will Insha Allah complement the efforts of Mr. President and Governor Dauda Lawal in addressing the insecurity related issues in the state and our dear country Nigeria.”

Moriki also addressed the status of some lawmakers who had been suspended from the Assembly, saying their recent purported defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not affect the functioning of the House.

He said the lawmakers were suspended on February 26, 2024, over allegations including gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the House and convening an unauthorised sitting in violation of the Assembly’s Standing Orders.

According to him, the House extended their suspension on May 13, 2026, for another legislative session because the disciplinary issues remained unresolved.

Moriki described the lawmakers’ purported defection as an attempt to divert attention from the disciplinary proceedings and create an impression of crisis within the Assembly.

He said, “The purported defection of members who have remained under suspension cannot serve as an evidence of disarray within the House.”

The Speaker maintained that the Assembly had continued to hold plenary sessions and perform its legislative functions.

He said the House held plenary on Tuesday and Monday, October 5, and was scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday for another sitting.

Moriki reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to the rule of law, legislative integrity and the protection of lives and public institutions.

He also expressed the lawmakers’ support for the policies and development programmes of Governor Lawal.