Security operatives comprising policemen and officers of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Wednesday sealed off the Plateau State House of Assembly complex’s entrance as the speakership’s tussle deepens.
WikkiTimes had earlier reported that 16 out of the 24 members of the House impeached the Speaker, Hon Abok Ayuba Nuhu on October 28, 2021, and was immediately replaced with Yakubu Sanda who represents Pengana Constituency.
Afterwards, the House became divided into two factions, with one faction being loyal to Ayuba’s successor, Sanda, while the other faction remains loyal to the former.
However, Ayuba sought legal redress at the State High Court sitting in Jos over the impeachment where he prayed for a declaration that the procedure adopted for his impeachment was in violation of the provisions of Section 92 (2) (c) of the Constitution.
The court on Monday, April 3, 2023, declared Ayuba’s impeachment null and void and reinstated him as the speaker of the Houses, and he resumed duties on Tuesday, April 4 and presided over the plenary.
But Ayuba’s successor, Sanda and 12 others filed an appeal and stay of execution on Tuesday, and both camps claimed the speakership of the assembly.
Sources revealed that several security vehicles were stationed strategically around the legislative complex manning the gates and surrounding on Wednesday.
Alfred Alabo, spokesman for Plateau Police Command told Peoples Gazette that the move was to forestall any breakdown of law of order around the assembly.
”We learnt that supporters of some politicians will be coming around the assembly to protest. If the politicians’ supporters come around, it is going to affect traffic, and it may lead to the breakdown of law and order. If nothing happens, the security will be relaxed, and everything will return to normal,” he stated.
