Nigerian lawmaker’s seat declared vacant for absenteeism; attended 21 of 180 parliamentary sittings

News Agency of Nigeria

The Zamfara House of Assembly has declared the minority leader’s seat, held by Aliyu Ango-Kagara, vacant due to alleged absenteeism.

The decision was made at the plenary on Tuesday in Gusau.

Mr Ango-Kagara (APC-Talata-Marafa South) has been allegedly absent from the house for 159 days.

This prompted the majority leader, Bello Mazawaje, to move a motion urging members to declare the lawmaker’s seat vacant.

Mr Mazawaje said, “Kagara only attended 21 of the 180 sittings of the house since our inauguration, which violated the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended and standing rules of the house.”

The deputy speaker, Adamu Aliyu, also weighed in.

Mr Aliyu said, “It is of paramount importance to uphold the House rules and constitutional provisions.”

However, not all members were in agreement, with Halliru Kuturu suggesting that the parliament should explore alternative disciplinary measures against the lawmaker.

Ultimately, the speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki, decided that the parliament had no choice but to implement sections 101 and 109(2) of the Nigerian constitution.

The speaker subsequently declared Mr Kagara’s seat vacant “due to his persistent absenteeism.”

In response, Mr Ango-Kagara described the parliament’s action as unconstitutional.

“I think the house was established by law and order, not jungle justice,” he said.

He said the lawmakers’ action was connected to his stance on the illegal suspension of eight members of the assembly.

“Eight out of 24 members were suspended by the house last year for raising security matters affecting their constituencies at the plenary.

“I told the leadership of the house to stop the illegal suspension of lawmakers; it is against the house standing rules and constitution,” Mr Ango-Kagara explained.

(NAN)

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