Speaker of the 10th Sokoto State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Tukur Bala Bodinga, has commended the performance of Governor Ahmad Aliyu, revealing that the Assembly is preparing to pass a vote of confidence on the governor and urge the All Progressives Congress (APC) to grant him an automatic ticket for the 2027 elections.
Bodinga, who represents Bodinga North Constituency and became Speaker in 2023, expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the House under his leadership, describing it as highly productive and stable. He noted that the Assembly has maintained a harmonious relationship with the executive arm, contributing to the overall progress of the state.
In an interactive session with journalists, Bodinga highlighted the Assembly’s key responsibilities of lawmaking and executive oversight. He said that within two years, the House has passed 25 significant bills, including the Mandatory and Compulsory Premarital Medical Screening Bill and another to reduce extravagant marriage expenses.
According to him, the bond between the legislature and Governor Aliyu’s administration has been instrumental in driving development across Sokoto State. He praised the governor’s performance, citing over 250 completed projects in 2024 and even greater progress already recorded in 2025.
“Governor Ahmad Aliyu has built roads, constructed houses, and empowered the poor. Look at the Katin Sauki (buy cheap shop) initiative for civil servants and pensioners, where food items are subsidized by 20 per cent. That alone shows his concern for the welfare of the people,” Bodinga said.
On security, the Speaker said the state government had procured over 140 Buffalo vehicles and motorcycles and established a military base in Illela to combat banditry. He said Governor Aliyu has remained committed to supporting security agencies with both logistics and funding, which has helped to reduce insecurity across the state.
Bodinga dismissed criticisms from the opposition, stressing that the governor is fully committed to his constitutional duties and is not distracted by political attacks. He described the governor as a humble, decisive, and consultative leader who has earned the trust and respect of both citizens and lawmakers.
“Governor Aliyu is not wasteful. He is focused, transparent, and highly religious. He is not eyeing the presidency but is concentrating on his role as governor to improve the lives of Sokoto people,” Bodinga added.
He said the Assembly has played a key role by supporting the administration with timely legislation. “We have always backed the governor in his developmental strides. Our support is based on performance, not blind loyalty,” he said.
Bodinga applauded the contributions of his fellow lawmakers, saying their dedication led to the passage of 25 bills—22 of which have already been signed into law. Among them are laws establishing the Sokoto State Community Security Corps, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Law, the Zakat and Endowment Commission Law, and the Tenancy Control and Safety of Persons Commission Law.
He clarified that the amendment to the Local Government Law, which extended the tenure of council chairmen and councillors from two to three years, was misconstrued by some opposition figures as an attempt to target the Sultan of Sokoto. However, he said the change was merely to align the law with constitutional requirements.
The Speaker also noted that the House has taken steps to encourage early and affordable marriages through legislation and highlighted the importance of continued capacity building for lawmakers to tackle emerging challenges effectively.
Reflecting on his leadership, Bodinga attributed the stability of the House to mutual respect among members and an inclusive approach. “I understand that I’m first among equals, and I make sure every member is treated with respect. Our leadership promotes inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability,” he said.
He acknowledged the spirit of cooperation in the Assembly, stating that informal conversations and shared ideas among members have helped avert crises and build consensus.
“We are committed to our responsibilities as representatives of the people. That’s why we have remained united and focused on delivering good governance through legislation,” he concluded.
