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The Senate on Tuesday condemned the impeachment of the Speaker of Plateau House of Assembly, Hon. Ayuba Abok, and the attendant disruption of legislative business in the state.
This was sequel to a motion on “Matter of Urgent Public Importance” sponsored by Senator Gyang Istifanus (Plateau North).
Senator Gyang called the attention of the Senate to the alleged impeachment of the Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly by eight members out of 24 members of the house, the barricade of the Assembly complex and the need for early intervention by the Senate to avoid deterioration.
The Senate noted with concern the disruption of normal legislative business and placement of barricade at the entrance of the assembly thereby making access to the premises impossible.
Senator Gyang said: “It was disturbed that the alleged impeachment of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ayuba Abok by eight (8) members of the House fell short of the 2/3 constitutionally required number as provided for in Section 92 (c) CFRN 1999 (As amended).”
The Senate was “aware that majority of the members of the House are opposed to the alleged impeachment and have pledged loyalty and solidarity with Rt. Hon. Abok against those loyal to Yakubu Sanda.”
It was also revealed that the Conference of Speakers of the 36 states have denounced the alleged impeachment and withheld recognition for the Yakubu Sanda.
The crisis, if left unattended to may degenerate, according to the Senate.
“Aware that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As amended) in section 11(4) empowers the National Assembly to intervene where a state assembly is unable to transact legislative business,” Gyang said.
The Senate was further concerned that the development at the Plateau State House of Assembly has the capacity to negatively affect the democratic credentials, image and standing of Nigeria on the global stage.
The Senate, therefore, called on the Plateau State House of Assembly to be guided by the rule of law and the constitution in all legislative business, particularly where and when it affects appointment and impeachment of a presiding officer in order to deepen democracy and uphold the independence of the legislature as an arm of government and set aside the impeachment.
Senator Gabriel Suswam, in supporting the motion, said the action of the eight members was a “threat to democracy” which the Senate should not overlook.
He further expressed concern over Governor Simon Lalong’s behaviour who being a former Speaker could condone such illegality.
Senator Oker Jev (Benue North/West) moved an additional prayer to the motion.
The Senate adopted the motion and condemned the impeachment of the speaker by a few members of the House.
The Champion newspaper