…over insecurity, unpaid salaries
Eight members of the Zamfara state house of assembly have resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing insecurity, alleged injustice and unpaid salaries and allowances.
The lawmakers announced their resignation in a statement, saying they could no longer remain in a party which, according to them, had failed to adequately address the security challenges confronting residents of the state.
The lawmakers include Aliyu Kagara, representing Talata Mafara south; Ibrahim Bakura, representing Bakura; Faruk Dosara, representing Maradun I; and Bashir Masama, representing Bukkuyum north.
Others are Muktaru Kaura, representing Kaura north; Nasiru Abdullahi, representing Maru north; Bashar Bello, representing Bungudu west; and Bashar Aliyu, representing Gummi I.
The lawmakers said their decision was informed by what they described as the APC’s failure to address worsening insecurity and other challenges affecting the well-being of their constituents.
Kagara said the lawmakers had gone 32 months without receiving salaries, allowances and other entitlements.
“This is our 32 months without salary, allowances and other entitlements as honourable members and the people of Zamfara; the ball is in their court,” he said.
“Whether they enjoy what is happening or not, they are in the best position to take action, and they need not be told.”
Kagara also accused the administration of Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara, of failing to give adequate attention to insecurity affecting rural communities.
“What we are challenging Governor Lawal’s administration about is even worse now compared to previous times, so we have seen no reason to continue remaining in the APC,” he said.
“Our constituents in rural areas who voted us into power to address their security concerns were not being given any attention.”
APC says it has not received resignation letters
However, Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, APC publicity secretary in Zamfara, said the party had yet to receive official copies of the lawmakers’ resignation letters.
“We are still waiting for their correspondence from their respective political wards after reaching their local government executives, which would later be forwarded to us,” Birnin-Magaji said.
The APC spokesperson said the party had only seen the resignation letters on social media.
“We all saw it on social media platforms, but whenever we receive the copies officially, we would communicate with you on our stand,” he said.
He added that the APC was not aware of any grievances from the lawmakers until the resignation letters surfaced.
The lawmakers were reportedly suspended before their resignation over allegations that they attempted to impeach the speaker about a year ago.
