The Zamfara Elders Forum has faulted Governor Dauda Lawal over what it described as a politically motivated move against nine members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly.
The group alleged that the governor is using the judiciary as a tool to undermine the lawmakers and restrict their legislative functions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the forum’s spokesperson, Dr. Abdulmumin Kamil Gusau, characterised the development as “disturbing and embarrassing.”
According to the forum, Chief Magistrate Halima Jaafar Mikaila issued a warrant for the arrest of the legislators without prior summons or formal charges—an action the group said violates due process and the rule of law.
“We are deeply concerned about what appears to be a manipulation of judicial processes to target duly elected members of the State House of Assembly,” Gusau said.
“These lawmakers are being victimised for carrying out their constitutional duties and drawing attention to perceived lapses in the executive’s performance in the interest of the public.”
The forum further noted that the affected lawmakers—drawn from both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC)—have filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Sokoto.
It added that petitions have also been submitted to key authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Security Adviser, and the National Assembly, seeking intervention.
Despite these pending legal actions and formal complaints, the forum alleged that the magistrate court proceeded with the arrest order, which it described as unlawful.
The group called on Governor Lawal to halt what it termed harassment and instead pursue dialogue with the lawmakers to resolve the crisis amicably.
“The APC remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will resist any attempt to politicise the judiciary for narrow interests,” Gusau added.
“We strongly oppose any effort to intimidate lawmakers for speaking out on the deteriorating security situation in their constituencies, which they believe the state government has not adequately addressed.”