The political landscape of Zamfara State, Nigeria, is embroiled in a contentious power struggle between Governor Dauda Lawal and a faction of the state’s House of Assembly. The All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition party in the state, has accused Governor Lawal of employing the judiciary to harass and intimidate nine lawmakers who have formed a parallel assembly. This splinter group, comprised of members from both the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC, alleges that the Governor has failed to address critical security concerns in their constituencies and has attempted to manipulate the legislative process. The APC has urged Governor Lawal to cease the alleged judicial harassment, engage in dialogue with the aggrieved lawmakers, and seek an amicable resolution to the crisis to foster progress and stability in the state.
At the heart of the dispute is the formation of a parallel assembly by nine members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly. These lawmakers, feeling marginalized and unheard by the Governor and the established assembly, have taken the extraordinary step of establishing a separate legislative body to represent the interests of their constituents. They contend that Governor Lawal has disregarded their concerns regarding pressing security issues affecting their communities. Moreover, they accuse the Governor of employing manipulative tactics to control the legislative process, thereby undermining their ability to effectively represent the people who elected them.
The APC, voicing strong opposition to Governor Lawal’s actions, alleges that the Governor is utilizing the judicial system as a tool to suppress dissent and silence the lawmakers who have dared to challenge his authority. The party maintains that the Governor has instigated the unwarranted arrest of the nine lawmakers without proper summons or charges, a move they denounce as a blatant abuse of power and an affront to democratic principles. The APC’s concern is amplified by the fact that a case related to the legislative dispute is already pending in the Court of Appeal in Sokoto, and the aggrieved lawmakers have formally petitioned several high-ranking officials, including the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Security Adviser, and the National Assembly, outlining their grievances.
The APC’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, has publicly condemned the Governor’s actions, asserting that the pursuit of legal action against the lawmakers will not achieve any constructive outcome. Instead, Idris has implored Governor Lawal to engage in meaningful dialogue with the dissenting lawmakers and seek a collaborative solution that addresses the underlying issues fueling the conflict. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being and stability of Zamfara State over political maneuvering and power struggles.
The APC has underscored its commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding due process. However, the party has simultaneously expressed its resolve to resist any attempts to politicize judicial officers or manipulate the judiciary for political gain. The party has issued a stern warning against witch-hunting its members for voicing concerns about the security situation in their constituencies. This stance demonstrates the party’s commitment to protecting the rights of its members to express their opinions freely and to hold the government accountable for its actions.
Furthermore, the APC has encouraged the nine aggrieved lawmakers to formally petition the Judicial Service Commission regarding the court order authorizing their arrest. This move aims to challenge the legality of the order and to serve as a deterrent against future instances of judicial overreach or political interference in judicial matters. The party’s call for accountability within the judicial system reflects its commitment to ensuring the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary, a cornerstone of any democratic society. The APC’s actions and statements underscore the escalating political tensions in Zamfara State and highlight the urgent need for a mediated resolution to prevent further escalation of the crisis and to safeguard the democratic processes in the state.
