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Tag: Plateau House of Assembly

  • None of PDP 16 lawmakers will be permitted to resume plenary – Speaker declares

    None of PDP 16 lawmakers will be permitted to resume plenary – Speaker declares

    Following the resumption of the Plateau State House of Assembly after the Christmas and New Year break, the speaker, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan Kudangbena denied access to 16 members of the Assembly for plenary.

    Addressing reporters after a brief sitting, the speaker asserted that none of the 16 lawmakers would be permitted to resume until a clear interpretation of the court judgment is presented before the House of Assembly.

    He said: “The house is in receipt of judgments from two courts, one from a court of appeal and another one from the supreme court. And you know I am a lawmaker, I can’t interpret the law. Therefore, I have to see full interpretations of these judgments before I know what to do.

    “The only thing I know now is that there are 32 members of the House of Assembly claiming 16 constituency seats right now, that is the reason I see the interpretations. So, for now, the Plateau State House of Assembly has only 8 members whose seats are not in contest, and only 8 members are recognized by my leadership. The other 16 members will join us when the law is made clear.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Police teargas sacked PDP Plateau lawmakers

    In his remarks, the leader of the 16 PDP lawmakers who came to resume plenary but were locked out, Hon Ishaku Maren from Bokkos Constituency, who spoke on behalf of 16 sacked members, after gaining access to the venue, said: “We agree with the position of the Speaker of the state house of assembly, we know the Plateau state House of assembly is law-abiding and has acted in accordance to the law. And as a group we are also law-abiding, we are calm, we are organized and we absolutely stand for our Speaker Rt. Hon Gabriel Dewan Kudangbena.

    Dewan added: “We are ready to wait until the judgments are interpreted to give legitimacy to the House of Assembly.”

    Meanwhile, the 16 APC lawmakers were not present at the plenary, but the state publicity secretary of APC Sylvanus Namang said the APC lawmakers were advised to stay away from the sitting to avoid a clash.

    At the time of this report, the situation at the old Government House is now calm, as workers have fully resumed work.

  • Showdown looms in Plateau House of Assembly

    Showdown looms in Plateau House of Assembly

    • Sacked PDP lawmakers threaten to remain in office

    • APC: It’s clear insurrection, invitation to anarchy

    There were indications yesterday that today’s resumption of the Plateau State House of Assembly would be stormy should the 16 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers live up to the threat to keep their seats.

    The PDP lawmakers were sacked by the Court of Appeal because they were products on an unrecognized state executive council of the party.

    Still basking in the euphoria of Governor Caleb Muftwang last Friday’s victory at the Supreme Court, the 16 lawmakers yesterday vowed to resume plenary today at the temporary chamber in the Old Government House, Jos, the state capital.

    But the All Progressive Congress (APC), whose candidates benefitted from the Appeal Court ruling, cautioned the sacked PDP lawmakers against resulting to self-help.

    It (APC) warned that taking the laws into their hands by the PDP lawmakers would amount to insurrection and an invitation to anarchy.

    The party urged the security agencies to rise to their responsibility of enforcing law and order.

    The sacked legislators drew their courage from the Supreme Court judgment, which overturned the judgment of the lower court and reinstated Mutfwang as the duly-elected governor.

    Speaking with reporters in Jos yesterday, the PDP lawmakers warned the APC members not to go near the House of Assembly because the apex court, by its pronouncement, had invalidated the judgment of the Court of Appeal that sacked them.

    Read Also: Agbakoba: Supreme Court ‘mafia’ must be broken up

    Their spokesman, Ishaku Maren, said the Supreme Court had revalidated their ejection, which was wrongly taken away from them by the lower court.

    Maren, who was with the 15 others, said that as law abiding citizens, they were ready to resume work to represent the people that duly elected them.

    He said: “As you can see the 16 PDP members of the Plateau State House of Assembly  are all here to address the press regarding our resumption to duty tomorrow (today) because our recess will be ending today (Monday), and by tomorrow (today), we are resuming work in earnest and  we are confident to address the press by informing the general public that my members – that is PDP family members in the State Assembly – are in high spirits and are willing and ready to go back and continue with our constitutional duty willingly given to us  by the  electorates. So we are all ready for the resumption of work tomorrow (today).

    “You might be aware that while were on recess, there were two Judgments that were passed regarding the status of state House of Assembly and Plateau State as a whole.

    “The first one was that given by the Court of Appeal, where they said that one cannot put something on nothing; that PDP in Plateau state has no structure and it was on that premise to that they sacked all the 16 PDP members and behold as we were on recess a superior court gave its own verdict regarding the same issue and in the judgment of the Supreme Court they said that the judgment that was brought before the Court of Appeal in its entirety was fraudulent and because of that  the Court of Appeal lacked even the jurisdiction to entertain the entire matter.

    “By that it shows that we are also referring to the same judgment that one cannot build something on nothing.”

    Urging the governor not to interfere, they vowed to resist all pressure, describing themselves as products of democracy.

    Maren added: “We are validly elected by the majority of votes that were cast in our various respective constituencies and our constituents are willing and ready to accompany us citizens tomorrow because they voted for us and they are not ready to compromise that and that is why they are seeing us to the state assembly tomorrow.

    It’s clear insurrection, invitation to anarchy, says APC

    The local chapter of the APC in Plateau State described  the threat by the 16 sacked PDP lawmakers to forcefully attend today’s plenary as a clear insurrection, invitation to anarchy and an assault on democracy.

    It reacted to the PDP lawmaker’s threat to invade the House to commence plenary through a spokesman SIyvanus Namang.

    The statement reads: “The APC wishes to state in no uncertain terms that the plans and threats by the sacked members contemplating any resumption of sitting as members is not only an assault on our democracy but an insurrection against the state, being an unabashed contempt of court.

    “It has come to the notice of the Plateau State chapter of the APC, a plan by the 16 members of the PDP sacked by the Court of Appeal last year to invade the House which resumes sitting tomorrow (today) after nearly two months recess as sitting members of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

    “According to information reaching us, the members sat at an undisclosed location and addressed the press on their invidious and diabolical plan.

    “The sacked members would be accompanied by members of their various constituencies to cause confusion of an unimaginable proportion.

    “The press conference which was laced with threats, warned the APC members of the House not to go near the House of Assembly because the Supreme Court had invalidated the judgment of the Court of Appeal which sacked them.

    “What began last week as a veiled threat by a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon Istifanus Caleb Mwansat during his infamous interview …is fast becoming a reality.

     ”The APC and all peace- loving citizens of Plateau State had expected that he ought not be walking the streets as a free citizen following his inflammatory outbursts.

    “The APC accepted for the sake of democracy and peaceful coexistence, the judgment of the Supreme Court in good fate and appealed to our members not to embark on anything to the contrary which they obeyed.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the Supreme Court judgment which awarded victory to the governor is personal to him and has no multiplier or spill-over effect on anyone already sacked. This is moreover that there was no case pertaining the National and State Assembly Elections before the Supreme Court. The orbiter dictum as made by Justice Okoro concerning the fate of the sacked lawmakers cannot be said to be having any force of law

    “The Appeal Court judgment which sacked the 16 PDP State House of Assembly members and all its National Assembly members has a stamp of finality which cannot be upturned by any Court in the land in line with Section 246 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    Just as we have accepted, as true democrats, the decision of the Supreme Court, the PDP has no option than to accept the fate that has befallen them and wait for the next election circle.

    “We call on security agencies in the state to up the ante to handle any illegal acts as the Plateau State House of Assembly resumes sitting tomorrow 23rd January, 2023.

    “The rule of law should be allowed to take its course and anything to the contrary should be visited with the most appropriate sanctions.”

  • Uncertainty pervades Plateau House of Assembly

    Uncertainty pervades Plateau House of Assembly

    • •6 APC lawmakers’ inauguration on hold

    The ongoing renovation of the Plateau State House of Assembly complex is delaying the inauguration of 16 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers who received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last year.

    The Appeal Court had validated their election.

    The Nation learnt that there were moves to extend the recess the Assembly embarked on before Christmas due to the renovation of the Assembly complex, which might not be completed soon.

    It was also learnt that while the sacked 16 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers are planning to go to court for the judicial interpretations of the Supreme Court judgment, the victors are thinking of approaching the High Court, should Speaker Gabriel Dewan fail to inaugurate them.

    When our correspondent visited the Assembly complex yesterday, the Assembly was under lock and key while renovation continued.

    The member representing Barkin Ladi State Constituency, Philip Gwom, told The Nation on phone that he was not in a position to give a specific resumption date of the Assembly.

    The APC lawmaker said the Assembly was supposed to resume on January 23.

    “But now, a new dimension has taken place. So, the resumption is indefinite now, based on the (Speaker’s) pronouncement. So, I cannot say exactly – whether it will be today, tomorrow, or on January 23,” he said.

    Commenting on the apex court’s judgment, Gwom said: “We are not at loggerheads. The Supreme Court, which is the policy court of this country, has made a pronouncement that everything that was done by the Appeal Court was illegal and that it stands null and void. So, is there any court is above the Supreme Court in Nigeria?

    “I am not the one to determine their (PDP lawmakers’) fate. I’m from a different family. So, how can I know the fate of another family? When the time comes, we are going to resume in the House because we are law-abiding citizens as we are bound by the law of the country. So, that is the position.”

    Also, the lawmaker representing Mangu State Constituency, Bala Fwangje, disagreed with the APC lawmaker’s position.

    He said: “The House is not under lock and key. Presently, we are on recess. We declared the recess before the Supreme Court’s judgment. The recess is ending by the end of this month.

    “Before we went on recess, we had already moved the Assembly to the old Government House. Now, a renovation is ongoing on there. On the possibility of reversal of the sacked lawmakers, this thing is all about the law.

    “As far as I know, the law will take its course. So, for me, based on what happened at the Supreme Court, we are going to study that law, the judgment, and see what it entails. Then, we, as the PDP members who are duly elected by the people, the choice of the people, will study it carefully and see how we can go about it.”

    Read Also: Crisis: Plateau House of Assembly remains under lock – IG

    Commenting on what the Assembly could do about the dispute over the lawmakers, Fwangje said: “I have said we are on recess and we are resuming on January 23. The Speaker has made a pronouncement based on this judgment, saying he can only recognise eight members. So, we don’t know what he means. That is what I can say for now.”

    Speaker Dewan, who was elected on the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), had said the 16 contentious lawmakers on each side of both parties, remained unknown to the Assembly until otherwise clarified.

    According to him, the Assembly currently has only eight members.

    Also, the State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. John Akans, said the Supreme Court judgment had voided the judgment of the Court of Appeal over state and federal lawmakers sacked by the appellate court.

    He said the state and national secretariats of the party had petitioned the National Judiciary Council (NJC) over the matter.

    Also, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Slyvanus Namang, said those clamouring for the reversal of the Appeal Court judgment were ignorant of the law.

    He insisted that the Speaker has no choice than to open the Assembly for the 16 members to begin normal legislative business.

  • Plateau Assembly seeks security agents’ support over killings

    The Plateau House of Assembly Special Committee on Security, has called on security agencies to cooperate with it to find lasting solution to killings in some parts of the state.

    The Chairman of the committee, Mr Yusuf Gagdi, made the call on Monday when he led members of the committee on a courtesy visit to the Police Command in Jos.

    News men reports that the Assembly on June 26, constituted a seven-man special committee to unravel the remote and immediate causes of recent killings in the state.

    Gagdi said the visit to the various security heads was to seek synergy, support and cooperation in nipping in the bud the killings in the state.

    He said that the collaboration would also avail the committee some privileged security information that would aid its assignment.

    “Following the recent happenings in some parts of the state, the House of Assembly resolved and constituted a special committee to look into the matter.

    Read Also: Plateau killings: NASFAT sues for peace

    “Basically, we are to investigate and establish the cause of the killings, the damages done and to also make recommendations.

    “We feel we cannot do it alone; we must work in synergy with the security agencies especially in terms of information gathering.

    “So, primarily, we are here to seek your support, cooperation and assistance in achieving lasting peace on the Plateau, ‘’ Gagdi said.

    Mr Undie Adie, Commissioner of Police in the state, pledged the command`s support to enable the committee achieve its mandate.

    He said that the establishment of the committee was timely, saying that “as representatives, the lawmakers understand and interact with the people better’’.

    “I am in this state to ensure a peaceful coexistence among its inhabitants and I will not rest on my oars to ensure that is done.

    “So, setting up a special committee to look into the cause of the killings is timely and I want to pledge our support to ensure you succeed,” he said.

    The committee also visited the Department of State Services, (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Military Special Task Force – Operation Save Haven, among others.

  • Plateau Assembly Speaker calls for legislature autonomy

    Plateau Assembly Speaker calls for legislature autonomy

    The Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Mr Peter Azi, has called for autonomy for the legislative arm of government in Nigeria.

    Azi made the call on Tuesday in Jos when Mrs Martial Mato-Nembot from the Headquarters of Korad Adenauer Stiftung, a German based organization paid him a courtesy visit.

    The speaker contended that democracy in Nigeria would be near perfection only when the legislative arm does not depend on the executive for its finances and other necessities.

    He insisted that lack of financial autonomy for the legislature had hindered the arm of government from performing its statutory functions effectively.

    “The legislative arm is mostly constrained in performing some of its functions because it is at the mercy of the executive to release funds for it.

    “This is why we have been agitating and yearning for autonomy, especially in terms of finances to enable the legislature perform its duties effectively.

    “If we want our democracy to be perfect in Nigeria, we must ensure that the legislative arm operates independently in all ramifications,’’ he said.

    Azi commended the Korad Adenauer Stiftung for the efforts the organization had put in place to ensure democracies in Africa works and grows.

    Earlier, Mato-Nembot said she was in Nigeria and Plateau on assessment tour of her organisation’s programmes.

    She lauded the peace initiative of the state and Federal governments that ensured the return of peace in the country and called for intensification of such initiatives to regain total peace.

    “What I saw when I arrived Abuja, before driving to Plateau is in variance with media reports we hear back in Germany.

    “I see Nigerians as polite, peaceful, accommodating people and I am amazed,’’ she said.

  • PLHA to consider executive bill for state pension scheme

    The Plateau House of Assembly announced on Tuesday that it had received three bills from the executive arm, for consideration.

    The Speaker, Mr. Peter Azi, who announced the development to his colleagues in Jos, said that one was for the establishment of a pension scheme for the state’s civil servants.

    “The second bill is for a law to enact a penal code for Plateau, while the third is for the establishment of Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Agency,” he said.

    He reminded the legislators of a meeting held on February 22, during which it was resolved that a penal code be created for Plateau.

    Azi explained that a penal code had become necessary in Plateau because the penal code of Northern Nigeria, currently in use, had become obsolete.

    “New forms of crime are emerging and we should be able to capture them in out statute books,” he said.

    He also argued that there was an urgent need for civil servants to have a pension scheme which would be in tandem with the National Pension Scheme.

    “The scheme is very crucial to addressing challenges workers face after retirement,” he pointed out.

    Azi also emphasised the need for an information and communication technology agency to aid the quest to position Plateau to meet the dynamics of technological advancement, and urged members to support government’s efforts toward a better Plateau with opportunities for all.

    The House fixed March 15, 16 and 21 respectively, for first hearing on the three bills.

  • Assembly alleges secret employment in Plateau Civil Service

    The Plateau House of Assembly has alleged that secret employment was going on in the state’s Civil Service.

    The Deputy Speaker, Mr Yusuf Gagdi, spoke in Jos when the Head of Service, Mr Atang Izam, led senior officers to defend his office 2017 budget before the House Committee on Appropriation.

    ”There is this strong rumour making rounds that people are being secretly employed into the civil service, and you will do us a lot of good if you can provide explanations,” Gagdi demanded.

    Responding, Izam debunked the allegation and described it as ”mere rumour.”

    According to him, the embargo placed on employment is still in force, and until it was lifted no employment could be carried out.

    ”To the best of my knowledge, there is no employment going on in the state,” he said.

    The Head of Service, however, said there was a need for recruitment.

    ”We are aware of the fact that we have the shortage of personnel in some ministries and we are working on a modality to fill up the gap.

    ”We have presented this before the governor and soon we shall do something.

    ”It may not be hundred percent done, but critical sectors in dire need will be considered,” he said.