The crisis currently rocking the Plateau State House of Assembly has taken another worrisome dimemsion turn as the impeached Speaker, Hon. Nuhu Ayuba Abok and 10 other members who are loyal to him were arrested on Monday afternoon and whisked away to an unknown destination.
Consequently, the new Speaker, Hon. Sanda Yakubu, being supported by six members of the house declare the former Speaker wanted for alleged conduct inimical to the interest of the House and call on the security agencies to arrest him for parading a fake mace.Hon Nuhu Abok Ayuba – Jos East
Hon Nambol Listic – Langtang North
The speaker protempo equally announced the suspension of six members is the house including! Hon Henry Longs – Pankshine South,Hon Dangtong Timothy – Riyom,Hon Musa Agah – Rukuba/Iregwe,Hon Bala Fwanje – Mangu South.
Our Correspondent reports that it was more of a military approach to civil proceedings when about 3: 05 pm the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Edward Ebuka, led the 11 members to four awaiting Hilux vehicles to an unknown destination.
The members reportedly said they are firm and resolute in their duties to Plateau people that voted them into the House in the struggle to fight to a logical conclusion until the impeached Speaker was reinstated.
Hon Zingtin Sochang, member representing Langtang South, was heard saying:
“We are now being bundled into four Hilux Vehicles by security men to a yet to be known location and if after 20 miniutes you call us and no response, you should know that we have been taken to an unknown place.”
Shortly after the drama, faction of Hon. Sanda matched into the Assembly complex through the exit route and went into the Chambers to address his loyalists. Journalists we’re barred from covering both sessions, but Hon. Sanda told reporters after a brief session with his loyalists that he remains the authentic speaker of the house and warn Rt. Hon Nuhu Abok to stop parading himself as the speaker of house to avoid unpalatable consequences.
It was gathered that during the plenary session, Hon. Said addressed his colleagues as follows: “It is with all sense of humility and honour that I address you on this second plenary session of the House since you unanimously elected me as your Speaker.
“Let me once again appreciate you for the confidence reposed in me as a first among equals and also assure you that I will do my utmost best to justify the confidence and trust you have bestowed upon me.
“I also realise that coming at this time, this responsibility is huge and calls for all hands to be on deck to salvage the integrity of this Honourable House and its members.
“Earlier this morning, we woke up to yet another attempt by some disgruntled members who in desperation to perpetuate the former speaker of the House broke into the chambers and took the House hostage to stage an illegal sitting and make an address aimed at ridiculing this Honourable House. This is another sad day in the life of this House.
“In the light of the above, I call on the Honourable members to remain resolute and determined to resist any attempt to take us back to needless rancour, crises and instability orchestrated by a few members who clearly do not have the interest of the people of Plateau at heart.
“Having convened an illegal sitting in an event hall in Zawan last week where they announced a sham and baseless suspension of the authentic leaders and members of this house, as well as breaking into the hallowed chambers of this Honourable House this morning 1st November 2021 to further denigrate the House. This house must take firm measures to forestall such occurrences from happening again.
“Accordingly, this House hereby suspends the following members with effect from today 1st November 2021 till further notice.
- Hon Nuhu Abok Ayuba – Jos East
- Hon Henry Longs – Pankshine South
- Hon Dangtong Timothy – Riyom
- Hon Musa Agah – Rukuba/Iregwe
- Hon Bala Fwanje – Mangu South
- Hon Nambol Listic – Langtang North
“We hereby declare the former Speaker wanted for conduct inimical to the interest of the House and call on the security agencies to arrest him for parading a fake mace.
“Furthermore, the House has set up two committees to investigate the former Speaker financial embezzlement and misappropriation.
“Similarly, the security agencies have been directed to take charge of the House and ensure that the suspended members are not allowed access to this Honourable House while their suspension persists”.
Thank you.
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda
Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly,
1st November 2021.
Nasarawa Reporters 