In response to the escalating insecurity in Zamfara State, the United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in the state. The group urged the President to take swift action to address the crisis before it spirals into a full breakdown of democratic order.
The call was made in a statement signed by Abdulrahman Danladi, president of the coalition. Danladi described Zamfara as “a state under siege,” accusing the state government of failing in its constitutional duty to protect lives and uphold democratic principles.
“The situation in Zamfara has escalated from troubling to terrifying. Armed groups are operating with impunity, citizens are at the mercy of bandits, and yet those elected to represent the people are being silenced,” the statement read.
Danladi specifically referenced the recent suspension of 10 lawmakers from the Zamfara State House of Assembly, who were reportedly punished for speaking out about the rising insecurity and illegal mining activities in their constituencies.
“What we are witnessing is not just lawlessness—it is executive tyranny. These lawmakers were elected to represent their constituents, and they have a duty to raise concerns. Rather than listen to them, the state assembly, seemingly acting under orders, has silenced their voices,” Danladi said.
He further compared the political climate in Zamfara to the recent situation in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara governed with only four lawmakers after a split in the House of Assembly. This situation had prompted calls for federal intervention.
The UDC also called for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers and an investigation into what it termed “executive interference” in the legislature.
Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s most troubled states, has continued to face relentless attacks by armed groups, with thousands displaced and dozens killed in the past year alone. The UDC’s statement highlights the urgent need for federal intervention to restore order and protect the lives of Zamfara’s residents.
