Senate talks tough on Plateau Assembly crisis
…Condemns ‘unconstitutional attempted’ impeachment of embattled former Speaker
Senate, on Tuesday, waded into the crisis currently rocking the Plateau State House of Assembly.
The Red Chamber also condemned what it called the ‘unconstitutional attempted’ impeachment of the Assembly’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abok Ayuba.
The Senate, in its resolutions urged the Plateau State House of Assembly, to be guided by the rule of law and the constitution in all of its legislative business.
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The Senate’s position came under Order 42 and 52 of the Senate Standing Rules, Sen. Istifanus Gyang, moved a motion of urgent public importance entitled, ‘Disruption of Legislative Business in PLHA: Need for Early Intervention of the Senate to Avoid Deterioration.’
Sen. Gyang, in his motion, noted with concern the barricading of the Plateau State House of Assembly, which has halted legislative business as a result of lack of access to the premises.
According to the federal lawmaker, the alleged impeachment of Hon. Abok, by eight members of the Plateau State Assembly fell short of the two-third constitutionally required number, as provided for in Section 92 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
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Sen. Gyang stated that majority of the lawmakers in the state’s Assembly were opposed to the alleged impeachment of the Speaker.
He noted that the Conference of Speakers of the 36 States had denounced the alleged impeachment and withheld recognition for the Hon. Yakubu Sanda leadership.
According to Sen. Gyang, “The development has the capacity to negatively affect the Democratic image and standing of Nigeria at the global stage.”
He, therefore, warned that the impasse and stalemate, if left unattended to, may further degenerate.
Citing Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sen. Gyang explained that its provision empowers the National Assembly to intervene in the affairs of the State Assembly, where the House is unable to transact normal legislative business.
