Zamfara govt slams factional lawmakers, denies neglecting victims of bandits

The Zamfara State Government has dismissed recent accusation of negligence leveled against Governor Dauda Lawal by a group of individuals claiming to be a parallel State Assembly, describing the allegations as politically motivated and lacking legal merit.

Reacting to the claims, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast Media and Public Relations, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, stated that those behind the accusations had no legal standing, as they had already been restrained by a court order from acting in any legislative capacity.

According to Kaura, a Zamfara State High Court presided over by Justice Muhammad Gusau issued a ruling on June 23, 2025, that barred Bashar Aliyu and eight others from presenting themselves as Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly.

“The accusers lack legal standing and [have] already been barred from acting as lawmakers by a court order,” Kaura said.

He acknowledged that while every citizen is entitled to raise concerns about governance, the claims being pushed by the faction are neither legitimate nor credible.

The group had accused Governor Lawal’s administration of ignoring the aftermath of recent attacks in Jangebe and Damri communities within Talata Mafara and Bakura Local Government Areas. Kaura, however, strongly denied this, insisting the government responded swiftly and humanely.

“The government expressed deep sympathy to the victims. In fact, the Chairman of Talata Mafara LGA was directed to cut short his engagements in Sokoto and immediately return to Jangebe to attend the funeral prayers of those killed. That shows genuine concern. What else do they expect?” Kaura asked.

Addressing the government’s relief and support efforts, Kaura revealed that a standing emergency response committee, led by Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mummuni, has been actively involved in visiting affected communities, evaluating the extent of damage, and delivering much-needed relief materials.

On security matters, Kaura reiterated Governor Lawal’s firm stance of no negotiations with bandits.

He noted that the administration continues to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism in the state.

“There is no compromise or dialogue with terrorists in Zamfara,” he said, adding that “the government is winning the war against banditry.”

He pointed out that a number of notorious bandit leaders have already been neutralized, thanks to ongoing security operations supported by civilian joint task forces, local protection guards, and the Maiduguri hunters group.

Kaura emphasized that improving security remains at the heart of the Governor’s “Rescue Mission Agenda.”

“Anyone saying otherwise is either politically motivated or deliberately mischievous. Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has recorded significant success in decimating bandit groups, and the people of Zamfara are witnessing these gains,” he said.

He urged the public to disregard the allegations from the so-called lawmakers, branding them as “disgruntled political elements” and warning that their continued actions could amount to contempt of court.

“The High Court ruling is clear. Any attempt by these individuals to parade themselves as a parallel Assembly is a direct affront to the judiciary, and the court may take legal action accordingly,” Kaura warned.