The Zamfara State House of Assembly has declared the seat of Minority Leader Aliyu Ango-Kagara vacant due to alleged prolonged absenteeism.
The decision was reached during the plenary session in Gusau on Tuesday, following a motion moved by Majority Leader Bello Mazawaje.
According to Mr. Mazawaje, the lawmaker representing Talata-Marafa South (APC) attended only 21 out of 180 sittings since the assembly’s inauguration, violating the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and the standing rules of the house.
“It is clear that Kagara has failed to fulfill his legislative duties. The constitution mandates regular attendance, and his prolonged absence cannot be ignored,” he stated.
Deputy Speaker Adamu Aliyu supported the motion, stressing the importance of upholding legislative principles and constitutional provisions.
However, some lawmakers, including Halliru Kuturu, proposed alternative disciplinary measures rather than declaring the seat vacant.
Despite the disagreement, Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki ruled in favor of the motion, citing Sections 101 and 109(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empower the assembly to declare a seat vacant in cases of excessive absenteeism.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Ango-Kagara condemned the decision, calling it “unconstitutional and politically motivated.”
“I believe the assembly should be guided by the law, not by jungle justice,” he said.
He further alleged that the move was linked to his opposition to the suspension of eight lawmakers last year.
“Eight out of 24 members were suspended for raising security concerns affecting their constituencies. I opposed the illegal suspension, and now they want to silence me too,” he added.
Meanwhile, the assembly is expected to communicate its decision to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for further action regarding a possible by-election.
