The All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State and some suspended lawmakers have rejected a court order for their arrest, saying it is politically motivated.
In separate statements released on Sunday in Gusau, the APC and lawmakers loyal to factional Speaker, Bashar Aliyu Gummi, accused the state government of using the judiciary to silence them.
They claimed the arrest order was meant to punish lawmakers for carrying out their legislative duties and questioning the actions of the state’s executive.
According to APC Publicity Secretary in Zamfara, Yusuf Idris, the Chief Magistrate Court in Gusau, led by Justice Halima Jaafar Mikaila, gave the arrest order without first inviting the lawmakers or hearing from them. He also said the issue is already being handled at the Court of Appeal in Sokoto.
“It is disturbing and embarrassing to see the judiciary being used as a tool to silence lawmakers who are pointing out issues of public concern,” Idris said. “We call on Governor Dauda Lawal to end the harassment and engage the aggrieved members in dialogue.”
The APC said it will continue to follow the law and protect members who speak up about insecurity in their areas.
The suspended lawmakers, in a statement signed by Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara, also spoke against what they called “malicious persecution.”
“We are committed to our mandate and the people we represent. No amount of intimidation, including biased court orders or threats to our lives, will stop us,” Kagara said.
They added that they had received threats and had already told security agencies and shared evidence.
The group criticised the state government for getting an arrest order from a lower court even though the case is before a higher court. They want the Judicial Service Commission to investigate the magistrate and ensure that the courts are not used for political attacks.
Both the APC and the lawmakers said they are open to peace talks but will not accept what they see as unfair treatment.
