The Zamfara State House of Assembly has officially dismissed Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara.
He represented the Talata Mafara South Constituency. Due to his ongoing absenteeism, the Assembly declared his seat vacant.
On Tuesday, Malam Bello Madaro Kurya, the Chief Press Secretary, explained the Assembly’s reasoning.
He noted that Hon. Kagara only attended 21 out of 180 sitting days, which raised concerns.
“This clearly violates the Nigerian Constitution and the House’s rules,” the statement emphasized.
It pointed out the need for consistent participation in legislative duties.
This decision followed Sections 101 and 109(2) of the Nigerian Constitution.
These sections allow the Assembly to declare a lawmaker’s seat vacant in cases of persistent absenteeism.
The motion for dismissal came from Majority Leader Hon. Bello Muhammad Mazawajje Tsafe.
It received support from Deputy Speaker Hon. Adamu Aliyu Gummi during the plenary session.
Hon. Mazawajje pointed out that Kagara’s absence was detrimental to the legislative process.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Kabiru Mikailu Dangulbi and Hon. Rilwanu Marafa Nagambo Anka, backed the motion, emphasizing the importance of following rules.
While Hon. Halliru Abdullahi Kuturu suggested other disciplinary approaches, the Assembly agreed unanimously to declare the seat vacant after thorough discussions.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki shared the final decision, stressing Kagara’s absenteeism as the main factor.
Various committees had tried to resolve the situation amicably, but all efforts failed.
Interestingly, Hon. Kagara was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He had also served previously as the Minority Leader of the Assembly.