APC Lawmaker’s Seat Declared Vacant Over Absenteeism

The Zamfara State House of Assembly has declared the seat of Aliyu Ango-Kagara, the Minority Leader representing Talata-Marafa South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), vacant due to alleged prolonged absenteeism.

The decision was taken during Tuesday’s plenary session in Gusau following a motion moved by Majority Leader Bello Mazawaje. Mr. Mazawaje argued that Mr. Ango-Kagara had attended only 21 out of the 180 sittings since the assembly’s inauguration, violating both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the house’s standing rules.

Deputy Speaker Adamu Aliyu supported the motion, stressing the importance of upholding legislative rules and constitutional provisions. However, some lawmakers, including Halliru Kuturu, suggested alternative disciplinary measures instead of declaring the seat vacant.

Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki ruled in favor of enforcing Sections 101 and 109(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, formally declaring Mr. Ango-Kagara’s seat vacant due to what he described as persistent absenteeism.

Reacting to the decision, Mr. Ango-Kagara rejected the assembly’s action, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. He linked the move to his opposition to the alleged illegal suspension of eight lawmakers last year.

According to him, those lawmakers were suspended for raising security concerns affecting their constituencies. He claimed he had urged the house leadership to reverse the suspension, arguing that it violated both house rules and the constitution.