The Zamfara State Government has described the activities of a faction of suspended lawmakers who recently held a legislative sitting as unconstitutional and illegal.

The reaction followed the emergence of a parallel assembly headed by Bashar Aliyu (PDP-Gummi I), in defiance of the leadership of the recognized Speaker of the Zamfara House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Moriki (PDP-Zurmi South).

The lawmakers, suspended earlier by the main assembly, convened in Gusau and accused Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration of underperformance, particularly in security and infrastructure-related matters.

But addressing journalists in Gusau on Friday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Iliyasu Maijega, dismissed the group’s claims and declared that their resolutions carry no legal weight.

“There is only one legitimate Zamfara State House of Assembly, and it is under the leadership of Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki,” Maijega said.

He condemned the actions of the suspended lawmakers, warning that their attempt to operate a separate legislative body violated the Nigerian Constitution and a subsisting court order.

“All the accusations made by the so-called parallel assembly against the current administration are baseless and null and void,” he said.

Maijega urged residents of the state to disregard any statements or decisions coming from the parallel group, stressing that the matter remained before the court.

“Any lawmaker who claims to be part of a parallel assembly is acting outside the law.

“Their resolutions are not recognized and have no legal backing,” he added.

Tragedy struck Ukohol community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday as suspected armed herdsmen launched a fresh attack, killing a village head and two others, including another retired headmaster.

The victims, identified as Zaki Aondohemba Isho, a former Headmaster and traditional leader, and Mr. Uger Sember, were reportedly shot dead on their farmland, while another person sustained serious injuries. Two others have been declared missing following the incident.

Ukohol lies less than 10 minutes from Yelewata, a neighboring community where over 200 people were slaughtered by armed invaders on June 13.

According to local sources who requested anonymity, the victims had gone to their farm to carry out planting activities when gunmen suspected to be herdsmen ambushed them.

“They opened fire on them while they were working on the farm. After killing the three men, the attackers set Zaki’s motorcycle on fire,” the source said.

“A young boy who accompanied them narrowly escaped with injuries and is now receiving treatment at a clinic in Daudu,” he added.

The killings sparked outrage among residents and associates of the deceased, including Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Mfa Tivdoo, who expressed his anguish on social media.

In a heartfelt post, Fr. Tivdoo wrote:
“It is this evening that I truly understood what happened, it was the death of Chief Bernard Isho Sumari. One of the most dedicated farmers in Daudu.

“Only last Thursday, he attended a PTA meeting in Apir and visited me afterward on the farm. He promised to return soon… a visit that will never happen. He was murdered alongside two others on his farm by Fulani herdsmen. When will this horror stop?”

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful.

Nigeria’s minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will officially launch the Enugu State government-owned commercial airline, Enugu Air, on Monday, July 7, 2025.

The launch ceremony will take place at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

This is according to a recent statement from the airline.

The airline will begin operations with a fleet of three Embraer jets from the E170 and E190 series, chosen for their performance, passenger comfort, and suitability for regional routes.

Commenting on the development, the Commissioner for Transportation, Enugu State, Dr. Obi Ozor, said Enugu Air is pivotal to Governor Peter Mbah’s vision for positioning Enugu State as a major aviation hub in Nigeria.

“With a strong foundation built on innovation and sustainability, Enugu Air is poised to transform regional air travel, boost state pride, and raise Enugu’s profile nationally and globally,” he said.

The domestic airline announced that its inaugural routes will be Abuja and Lagos, with plans to expand services to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and other key locations in Nigeria.