26th May, 2023
The Sokoto State 9th Assembly on Thursday adjourned the House plenary Sine Die.
The assembly, at its plenary sitting presided over by Alhaji Abubakar Magaji, the Deputy Speaker, adjourned in a rowdy session.
This development followed the rejection by the members for Magaji to present a message from Gov. Aminu Tambuwal for their consideration.
Alhaji Bello Ambarura (APC-Illela), argued that reading the letter was a violation of the House’s tradition.
“Mr Speaker, it is a tradition in this Assembly that members would be briefed on any message before it is presented at the chamber.
“Therefore, we cannot allow the governor’s message to be presented since we are not aware of it before entering the chamber,” he said
However, the argument was reechoed by other members under the platform of the APC.
The deputy speaker thereafter adjourned the 9th state assembly Sine Die.
Briefing newsmen after the session on behalf of the protesting lawmakers, Alhaji Bello Idris (APC- Gwadabawa North), said that the argument became necessary as it violated due process.
Idris said: “We have been hearing rumour that the Governor renamed some institutions in the state without any proper notification.
“As we are aware, there are laws that established those institution and renaming them must follow due process.
“Yes, renaming of those institution with the names of prominent personalities is a good thing, but doing so should be properly documented.”
The lawmaker further said that as far as the 9th Assembly was concerned, the name of the institution was null and void until unless due process was followed.
On the other side, Alhaji Malami Basakkwace (PDP- Sokoto South II), said the action of the lawmakers was unexpected.
“This action is a disgrace to the founding fathers of the Sokoto Caliphate and the state in general,” he said.