The United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State, citing worsening insecurity and a growing threat to democratic governance.
In a statement issued Friday and signed by its president, Abdulrahman Danladi, the coalition described Zamfara as “a state under siege,” accusing the state government of neglecting its constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and uphold democratic principles.
Danladi condemned the recent suspension of 10 lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, alleging they were penalized for speaking out against insecurity and illegal mining activities in their constituencies.
“The situation in Zamfara has gone from troubling to terrifying. Armed groups operate freely, citizens are at the mercy of bandits, and yet those elected to speak up are being silenced,” the statement read.
He further decried what he termed “executive tyranny,” stating that the suspended lawmakers were merely fulfilling their mandate to represent the interests of the people.
“What we are witnessing is not just lawlessness—it is executive tyranny. These lawmakers were elected by the people and have a duty to speak out. Instead of listening to them, the state assembly, clearly acting on orders, has shut them down,” he added.
Drawing parallels with the political crisis in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara was at one point governing with only four lawmakers, Danladi questioned why the federal government has yet to take decisive action in Zamfara.
“If Rivers with four lawmakers sparked talks of emergency rule, how is Zamfara with 10 suspended lawmakers and spiraling violence not a national concern?” he queried.
“The same standard must apply. Democracy is being murdered in Zamfara in broad daylight. If the federal government could consider intervening in Rivers, it must not turn a blind eye to the breakdown in Zamfara.”
The UDC is calling for a six-month state of emergency in Zamfara to enable security agencies to restore order, protect citizens, and return the state to constitutional normalcy.
Additionally, the coalition demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers and a thorough investigation into what it described as “executive interference” in the legislative process.
“This is not the time for political correctness. It is the time for leadership. The people of Zamfara are under siege—both by bandits and by those who should be protecting them,” Danladi concluded.
Zamfara remains one of Nigeria’s most volatile states, with recurrent attacks from armed groups, leading to the displacement of thousands and numerous deaths over the past year.
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