The Zamfara State Government has vehemently denied allegations made by a parallel assembly in the state, describing their activities as illegal and null and void. The parallel assembly, formed by suspended lawmakers, had accused Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration of poor performance in the security sector and high costs of contracts for infrastructural projects.
In response, the state government, through its Commissioner for Information, Maijega Aliyu, stated that the parallel assembly’s actions are a clear violation of a court order and an attempt to undermine the legitimate government of the state. Aliyu emphasized that the state has only one legislature under the leadership of Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki, and any actions taken by the parallel assembly are without legal standing.
The parallel assembly, on the other hand, has vowed to continue sitting despite alleged intimidation and harassment by the state government. They have accused Governor Lawal of embezzling public funds, including the alleged misappropriation of N800 million monthly for “special assignments”. The assembly has also slammed the governor for the renovation of the Yariman Bakura Teaching Hospital at a cost of N9 billion, describing it as “callous, abuse of office, and open stealing of public funds”.
The crisis in Zamfara State Assembly began when nine elected members of the state House of Assembly formed a parallel assembly, leading to a court order restraining them from further sitting. However, the lawmakers have continued to sit, citing alleged discrepancies in the court order and planned attacks by thugs linked to the governor.
Key Developments:
– Parallel Assembly’s Accusations: The parallel assembly has accused Governor Lawal’s administration of poor performance in security and high costs of contracts.
– Government’s Response: The state government has described the parallel assembly’s activities as illegal and null and void.
– Alleged Embezzlement: The parallel assembly has accused Governor Lawal of embezzling public funds, including N800 million monthly for “special assignments”.
– Renovation of Hospital: The parallel assembly has slammed the governor for the renovation of the Yariman Bakura Teaching Hospital at a cost of N9 billion.
The Zamfara State Government has urged the public to ignore the reports of the parallel assembly, emphasizing that the state legislature under Speaker Moriki’s leadership remains the only legitimate state house of assembly authorized to carry out legislative duties in the state.
