Crisis rocks Nasarawa Assembly, reelected speaker insists due process followed

The speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Abdullahi, says his reelection followed due process and constitutional provisions.

News Agency of Nigeria • June 8, 2023

Ibrahim Abdullahi and Nasarawa State House of Assembly

The speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Abdullahi, says his reelection followed due process and constitutional provisions.

Mr Abdullahi stated this on Wednesday in Lafia while inspecting the level of damage done to facilities at the assembly complex following the leadership tussle that rocked the legislature.

The speaker said the Seventh Assembly under his watch was constituted according to constitutional provisions.

He made the remarks when he visited the complex alongside security operatives and management of the House on Wednesday in Lafia.

“During my swearing-in and that of the deputy speaker, Honourable Jacob Kudu, the clerk of the House was seated, the deputy clerk, sergeant-at-arms and his deputy, as well as management staff, were all present,” stated Mr Abdullahi. “But sadly, very sadly, some people went into the hallowed chamber under the leadership of a grade level 8 officer to administer them oath of allegiance and oath of office.”

He added, “As far as I am concerned, they are not inaugurated, and they remain members-elect of the state House of Assembly as their inauguration was illegal because it does not follow due process.”

Mr Abdullahi maintained that the Seventh Assembly under his leadership was constitutionally proclaimed.

While describing some damages at the complex as unfortunate, he said any inauguration other than the one conducted by the clerk of the House was invalid.

The speaker, who pleaded with the people of the state to remain calm, said he remained the speaker of the House. He also urged the people to discard any suspension given by the Daniel Ogazi-led camp as invalid because the group acted unlawfully.

“How can you suspend members that are not part of your inauguration?” Mr Abdullahi stated.

He, however, assured that the 7th Assembly would continue to perform its constitutional duties in making laws that would better the people’s lives in Nasarawa.

On June 6, Governor Abdullahi Sule received Mr Abdullahi and Jacob Kudu as speaker and deputy speaker at the Government House, Lafia.

(NAN)

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