Insists 16, not 8 members impeached embattled Speaker Abok
By Israel Joel
Progressive Members of the Plateau state House of Assembly on Thursday insisted that 16 members of the state house of assembly impeached the immediate past Speaker of the assembly Hon Abok Ayuba.
They also appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP )to unseal the house to enable members to continue their legislative function, in view of the numerous bills on the ground that required legislative attention including the 2022 appropriation bill which was laid by the state Governor Simon Lalong recently.
Hon. Naanlong Daniel Majority leader, Plateau State House of Assembly, who addressed newsmen in Jos said “it became imperative that they address newsmen and put the records straight in view of the aftermath of the change of leadership in the Plateau State House of Assembly.”
Flanked by twelve members of the house of assembly, Hon Naanlong said “We want to put it on record that due process was followed in the impeachment of the former Speaker Abok Ayuba, as provided in section 92, 2 (C) CFRN 1999 (As amended) that 16 out of the 24 members sign a resolution for his impeachment.
He added that the list was compiled on the 28th of October 2021.
The lawmakers stressed that the public should note that 17 members were present in the Chambers at the sitting on that day which is more than the required number that forms a Quorum in any legislative business of a State House of Assembly.
In their words “It is baseless and misleading to say that only eight numbers sign for the impeachment of the former Speaker, has been spread around in the social and mainstream media and by some individuals. The clerk of the House is in possession of the names of all members who were in the House on that day.
“Unfortunately, some members of the other side who were there and even addressed the press afterwards have been involved in misinforming the public. We want you to beware.
Giving reasons for the impeachment of the Speaker, the lawmakers stressed that embattled Abok had before then refused to reconvene the state house of assembly.
They further alleged that ” It would be recalled that since August this year, the house was unable to meet to undertake its Legislative business because the former Speaker refused to reconvene the House because he was asked to render an account of his Financial activities in the house.”
“Since then, the impeached Speaker Abok closed the house and refused to allow us to consider many crucial bills still pending. In fact, three times the Governor approached the House to lay the 2022 appropriation bill but the former Speaker refused. It took a lot of pleading and begging for that to happen. “.
Because of his inability to reconvene the house for Legislative business, Bills, Motions and matters of urgent Public importance that could have helped the people of the State, the State has suffered a serious setback which the new Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda is determined to correct.
They also added that despite the passage of the Autonomy Law by Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong who was the first to do so in the country because he was one of those who started the struggle for autonomy in 1999, the way and manner the Former Speaker ran the house was more or less like his personal business venture, taking unilateral decisions, as against the fund’s Management Law, which stipulated that, Principal Officers and Financial Management Committee need to take collective decisions in regards to approvals or any important decision and Financial Management.
” Because he violated that law and was called to give account, he started running away and using other members who probably benefited from his misconduct divide the House. ”
“All these matters mentioned constitute Gross Incompetence, high headedness and financial recklessness, in the management of the house affairs which cost the former Speaker his seat they added. ”
The Progressive Lawmakers further added that “Soon after we impeached the former Speaker, he went and constructed a fake maze to convene a kangaroo sitting at an event centre in Zawan. This worsened his already bad case and made us suspend him and some members who joined him in committing the infractions.
They also lamented the reactions from some cross-sections of the members of the public.
“We have since noticed a wide reaction from various people who are either ignorant of the true situation or being partisan for their selfish political interests.
“We are calling the attention of Senator Jonah Jang, Senator Istifanus Gyang, House of Reps member Jos South – Jos – East Hon. Musa Bagos as well as the Lagos State house of Assembly, Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and many others always cross-check their facts, as their action and comments are misleading and not a true reflection of what transpired on the floor of the house. Therefore we call on them to get their facts clearly before delving to conclusions. ”
The Progressive Lawmakers further added that” we take exception to the comments of the former Governor of Benue State Senator Gabriel Suswam who threw caution to the wind to use abusive language on Honourable members of the Plateau State House of Assembly. ”
No plot to impeach Gov Lalong – Speaker Abok
“While we warn him to desist from disrespecting the Honourable members some of whom are far older than him, we thank His Excellency the Senate President Dr Ahmad Lawan who called him to order and put him in his right place. Henceforth, we shall not hesitate to take him on frontally.”
“As it stands, the house has met-up the Constitutional requirement in removing its Speaker and anyone who is not satisfied with the house decision may wish to approach the court to seek redress than inciting the public and whipping sentiments, they further stressed.
“As far as we are concerned, the former Speaker did not come to the House as Speaker. He was first among equals given the privilege to lead. When he lost the confidence of his colleagues, he had to go. This is standard Legislative practice.” ”
They assured their constituents and the people of Plateau that they will continue to operate a people-oriented legislature, and work closely with the other arms of Government in providing the needed dividends of democracy
