The All progressive congress, Plateau state Chapter, has described the appearance of 11 lawmakers in the chambers of the Plateau state house of assembly on Monday Morning as illegal and an invasion.
In a statement signed by the APC State Publicity secretary, Slyvanus Namang, the party noted with concern "how the eleven members illegally and indecorously broke into the House of Assembly Complex under the cover of darkness at very odd hour of the night". The APC Publicity secretary said, this remains a very disappointing and sad narrative relating to the conducts of members of a legislature which is the supposed bastion and sanctuary of our democracy. The party further stated that the action of these Members, apart from sending very wrong and dangerous signals which are antithetical to the tenets of democracy, tends to portray their abuse and ignorance of the principle of legislative financial autonomy. The party wants the Speaker Nuhu Abok who was purportedly removed last week in a controversial manner to toe the path of honour, respect and the rule of law which are hallmarks of democracy instead of what the party calls "the embarrassing and blind desperation to reclaim the Speaker's seat which he has since lost following his impeachment by his colleagues last week". The party is also appealing to the security agencies to remain neutral and take all necessary steps to ensure law and order at the House of Assembly Complex. The APC Plateau State advised the embattled Speaker, Nuhu Abok Ayuba and his colleagues to accept the reality on ground and co -operate with with the new Speaker, Right Honourable Yakubu Sanda and settle down for normal legislative duties instead of the unnecessary overheating of the system.
SEE FULL STATEMENT BELOW
TATEMENT BY THE APC PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER AGAINST THE ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF THE PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
The news of the illegal and forceful occupation of the Plateau State House of Assembly by eleven Members of the House of Assembly believed to be loyal to Nuhu Abok Ayuba, the former Speaker of the PLHA is quite disheartening to the APC as a political party. Of particular concern is how the eleven (11) members illegally and indecorously broke into the House of Assembly Complex under the cover of darkness at very odd hour of the night.
Without mincing words this remains a very disappointing and sad narrative relating to the conducts of members of a legislature which is the supposed bastion and sanctuary of our democracy.
However, the action of these Members, apart from sending very wrong and dangerous signals which are antithetical to the tenets of democracy, tends to portray their abuse and ignorance of the principle of legislative financial autonomy which the PLHA is the first to enjoy in the whole country courtesy of Governor. Lalong's commitment to good governance and growth of democracy.
We are siesing this opportunity to advise Nuhu Abok and his group to toe the path of honour and respect our cherished institutions and the rule of law which are hallmarks of democracy instead of the embarrassing and blind desperation to reclaim the Speaker's seat which he has since lost following his impeachment by hiscolleagues last week.
We frown at the usual instigative disposition of a media outfit, J-FM which covered the illegal proceedings of the eleven Members, and wish to once again call on the relevant regulatory body to take serious note of this breach the interest of peace and stability of the State.
Our dear state is in dare need of peace and nothing should be done to truncate such peace which Governor Simon Lalong along with the security agencies and relevant bodies/stakeholders have, over the years, been putting in their best to maintain.
Furthermore, the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state also observes with dismay the ill-motivated mobilisation of some gullible youths to besiege the State Assembly Complex from 2.00 a.m today. Such action is most condemnable, especially for its security implications and criminal intent. We appeal to security agencies to remain neutral and take all necessary steps to ensure law and order at the House of Assembly Complex.
Finally, we advise Nuhu Abok Ayuba and his colleagues to accept the reality on ground and co -operate with with the new Speaker, Right Honourable Yakubu Sanda and settle down for normal legislative duties instead of the unnecessary overheating of the system.
Plateau state remains bigger than any individual who will come and go while the state and its interest remains.
Signed:
Hon.sylvanus Namang
State APC Publicity Secretary