MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE BROUGHT UNDER ORDER 42 & 52.

DISRUPTION OF LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS IN PLHA: NEED FOR EARLY INTERVENTION BY THE SENATE TO AVOID DETERIORATION.

Senator Gyang of Plateau North Senatorial District has moved a motion on the floor of the Senate, calling the attention of the Nigerian Senate to the alleged impeachment of the Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly by 8 Members and the barrication of the Assembly complex.

Find the submissions of the Distinguished Senator I. D. Gyang, Esq below.

The Senate:

1. Notes with concern the disruption of normal legislative business and barrication of the Plateau state House of Assembly thereby making access to the premises impossible.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. Further aware that the Conference of Speakers of the 36 States have denounced the allegedw impeachment and withheld recognition for the Yakubu Sanda.
5. Disturbed that an impasse and stalemate has arisen which if left unattended to, may degenerate.
6. 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.
7. 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 at the global stage.

RESOLVES:

Call 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 speaking in support of the Motion said the action of the eight members was a threat to democracy which the Senate should not overlook. He further express concern over Governor Lalong’s behavior who being a former Speaker could condone such illegality.

The Senator representing Benue North/West Senator Oker Jev moved an additional prayer to the Motion which the Senate adopted and condemned the impeachment by few Members of the House.

Musa Ibrahim Ashoms
Special Assistant
Media and Protocol to
Senator I. D. Gyang, Esq.
9/11/2021.

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SENATOR GYANG MOVES A MOTION AGAINST THE ALLEDGED IMPEACHMENT OF RT. HON. ABOK NUHU AYUBA BY EIGHT MEMBERS OF THE PLATEAU STATE HOUSE AND OF ASSEMBLY.