Aliyu Ango-Kagara
The Zamfara State House of Assembly has declared the seat of its Minority Leader, Aliyu Ango-Kagara (APC-Talata-Marafa South), vacant due to alleged prolonged absenteeism.
The decision was reached during the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday in Gusau, following a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Bello Mazawaje, who cited Mr. Ango-Kagara’s frequent absence from legislative proceedings.
Violation of House Rules and Constitution
Mr. Mazawaje detailed the lawmaker’s attendance record, stating, “Kagara only attended 21 out of the 180 sittings of the House since our inauguration. This violates the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, and the standing rules of the House.”
Supporting the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Adamu Aliyu, emphasized the need to maintain legislative integrity. “It is of paramount importance to uphold the House rules and constitutional provisions,” he said.
However, not all lawmakers were in agreement. Halliru Kuturu, a member of the Assembly, urged the House to consider alternative disciplinary measures instead of outright expulsion.
Despite the debate, Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki upheld the motion, citing constitutional backing. “Sections 101 and 109(2) of the Nigerian Constitution empower us to take this step. The law must be followed,” he declared before officially pronouncing the seat vacant due to “persistent absenteeism.”
Ango-Kagara Rejects Decision
Reacting to the development, Mr. Ango-Kagara denounced the Assembly’s decision as unlawful and politically motivated.”I think the House was established by law and order, not jungle justice,” he said.
He further alleged that his removal was linked to his opposition to the suspension of eight lawmakers in 2023.
“Eight out of 24 members were suspended last year for raising security concerns affecting their constituencies. I told the leadership to stop this illegal suspension because it violates the House standing rules and the Constitution,” he explained.
The declaration of the seat as vacant sets the stage for a by-election to fill the position, pending further legal or political developments.
(NAN)
