The Zamfara State House of Assembly has dismissed Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara, the member representing Talata Mafara South Constituency, and declared his seat vacant due to persistent absenteeism.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary of the House, Malam Bello Madaro Kurya, on Tuesday, the Assembly justified the decision, stating that Hon. Kagara attended only 21 out of 180 sitting days.
“This is a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the House’s standing rules, which mandate consistent participation in legislative activities,” the statement read.
The action was taken in line with Sections 101 and 109(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, which provide grounds for declaring a lawmaker’s seat vacant due to persistent absenteeism.
The decision followed a motion presented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Bello Muhammad Mazawajje Tsafe, and seconded by Deputy Speaker Hon. Adamu Aliyu Gummi during a plenary session.
Hon. Mazawajje emphasized that Hon. Kagara’s prolonged absence undermined the legislative process. Several lawmakers, including Hon. Kabiru Mikailu Dangulbi (Maru South), Hon. Rilwanu Marafa Nagambo Anka (Anka), and Hon. Ibrahim Garba Liman Fegin Mahe (Gusau II), supported the motion, stressing the need to uphold legislative rules and constitutional provisions.
While Hon. Halliru Abdullahi Kuturu (Zurmi East) suggested exploring alternative disciplinary measures, the Assembly resolved unanimously to declare the seat vacant after extensive deliberations.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki announced the final decision, citing Hon. Kagara’s persistent absenteeism as the key reason.
The statement revealed that several committees had engaged Hon. Kagara in attempts to resolve the issue amicably, but all efforts proved unsuccessful.
It is noteworthy that Hon. Kagara, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), previously served as the Minority Leader of the Assembly.