Zamfara Deputy Governor Declines Lawmakers Invitation

Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mahdi Aliyu

Barrister Mahdi Aliyu, the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, who was given a 48-hour ultimatum to appear before members of the state house of assembly, has declined the invitation.

Recall that the lawmakers had asked Aliyu to appear before it and defend himself against allegation of misconduct, stemming from a political rally he held on July 10 after killings by bandits in Maradun LGA of the state.

Aliyu stated that the action of the lawmakers is tantamount to a flagrant breach of law, and added that the pending court action touches among others on any process, in any form or manner relating to instant invitation extended to him.

The letter addressed to members of the house of assembly and dated July 29, read;

“The pending court action touches among others on any process, in any form or manner relating to instant invitation extended to me.

“In this pending case, the office of the Speaker of this honourable house is a party. Further there is an order for maintenance of status quo made by the court on 19th July.

“While I am willing to and ready to honour the invitation, sadly, I am constrained by pending suit, and it’s attendant order."

After acknowledging receipt of the letter on Thursday, the House directed its legal department to analyse it and the court papers.

While the House was deliberating on the letter, Yusuf Kanoma, representing Maru North constituency, faulted the letter and the court order, saying at no time did the House discuss a move to impeach the deputy governor.

However briefing newsmen at his office on Thursday, the Deputy Governor said;

“As you are aware, my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has instituted an action at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the vires of Zamfara State House of Assembly as presently constituted to commence impeachment or any other proceeding against me as elected on PDP platform.”

“The Federal High Court has granted an order directing the maintenance of the status quo ante bellum on the 19th day of July 2021.

“The order was served on the Chief Judge of Zamfara State, Zamfara State House of Assembly and Governor of Zamfara State.

“Despite the foregoing state of affairs, the speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly and the House of Assembly have now embarked on steps and actions to overreach the pending suit, disobey the court order and render the effect of the suit nugatory.

 “I’m constrained to draw the attention of the public to this ugly situation in the hope that well-meaning citizens and people of goodwill will call the Zamfara State House of Assembly to order and impress upon them the need to obey the subsisting court order."