By Sabiu Abdullahi
Eight members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing worsening insecurity, alleged injustice and the failure to pay their salaries and allowances.
The lawmakers announced their decision in a statement on Sunday, accusing the party and the state administration of failing to adequately address security challenges affecting residents across the state.
Those who resigned are 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 also cited what they described as a worsening welfare situation affecting them and 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.
He added, “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 Governor Dauda Lawal of failing to adequately address insecurity, particularly in 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.”
However, the APC said it had not received official copies of the lawmakers’ resignation letters.
The party’s Publicity Secretary in Zamfara, Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, said the APC had only seen the letters on social media and was awaiting official communication through the lawmakers’ respective political wards and local government executives.
“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 told Daily Trust.
The APC spokesperson added, “We all saw it on social media platforms, but whenever we receive the copies officially, we would communicate with you on our stand.”
According to Birnin-Magaji, the party was not aware of any grievances from the lawmakers before the resignation letters emerged.
The lawmakers were reportedly suspended by the APC before their resignation over allegations that they attempted to remove the Speaker of the state House of Assembly about a year ago.
