Reps to NASS leadership: Intervene in Plateau State Assembly crisis

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives Tuesday called on the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene in the crisis surrounding the swearing-in of new members of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
The crisis has seen that some members-elect being sworn in while others have been denied the opportunity, despite meeting all the legal requirements.
The House equally notes that the Court of Appeal had nullified the certificates of return of 16 sitting members and ordered the issuance of new certificates to the new members.
The move by the House follows a motion by Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, which highlighted the crisis in the state assembly.
The House noted that despite meeting legal requirements, some members-elect have not been sworn in, while others have been sworn in by the Speaker.
The House views this as a denial of democracy and a threat to security in the state. It has therefore urged the National Assembly leadership to intervene and ensure equity, fairness, and justice in the Plateau State House of Assembly.
However, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly has refused to swear in all the new members, instead demanding that they submit letters of resignation with accompanying court affidavits as a condition for swearing-in.
According to him, the failure to address the delays and biases in the swearing-in of the new members poses a threat to security in the state and undermines the principles of justice, fairness, and democracy.