The United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara due to escalating insecurity and the collapse of democratic order in the state. In a statement released Friday, UDC president Abdulrahman Danladi condemned the worsening situation in Zamfara, describing it as “a state under siege.” He accused the state government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to safeguard citizens and uphold democratic values.
Suspension of Lawmakers Raises Alarms
Danladi’s comments came in response to the suspension of 10 lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, who had raised concerns about growing insecurity and illegal mining in their areas. He criticized the state government’s actions, calling it a form of “executive tyranny.” He argued that the suspension of elected representatives for speaking out on behalf of their constituents signaled a dangerous erosion of democratic principles.
Calls for Federal Intervention
Drawing parallels with the political crisis in Rivers state, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara led with just four lawmakers following a split in the assembly, Danladi questioned why Zamfara’s situation, marked by the suspension of 10 lawmakers and rising violence, had not sparked national attention. He called for a six-month state of emergency to allow security forces to regain control and restore constitutional order. The coalition also demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers and an investigation into alleged executive interference in the legislature.
Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s most volatile states, has suffered continuous attacks by armed groups, with thousands displaced and dozens killed in recent months.
