Speakership Tussle: Security Operatives Seal Plateau House Of Assembly Complex
Following renewed tussle over the speakership of the Plateau State House of Assembly, security operatives on Wednesday sealed off the entrance to the Assembly.
Stern-looking and fully armed personnel of the Nigeria police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps amongst others took control of the gates leading to premises of the assembly.
While confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Command Spokesman, DSP Alfred Alabo, explained that the sealing off of the premises was aimed at forestalling possible breakdown of law of order at the assembly.
Alabo said that intelligence gathering indicated that supporters of some politicians were to go to the Assembly to protest, adding that if the politicians and their supporters are allowed to go into the premises of the State Assembly, it would disrupt free flow of traffic which could lead to breakdown of law and order.
According to Alabo; “In order to save lives and property, we took this action so that we can control security arrangements within the Plateau House of Assembly area.
“If nothing happens, the security situation will be relaxed and everything will return to normal,” he assured.
The road linking the Terminus Market from the Plateau Specialist Hospital through the State Assembly complex was blocked from traffic as not less than 15 security vehicles were seen stationed in strategic locations around the Assembly complex.
Hon. Abok Ayuba, who was allegedly impeached by six members of the Assembly on October 28, 2021 had his purported impeachment quashed on Monday by the Plateau State High Court.
Following his reinstatement, Ayuba resumed duties on Tuesday and presided over the Assembly plenary but, his successor, Hon. Yakubu Sanda and 12 others went to Court and filed an appeal and also a stay of execution on Tuesday.
The development led both Ayuba and Sanda to be laying claims to the Speakership of the Assembly as Ayuba is relying on his reinstatement by the Court while Sanda is holding unto the stay of execution which he filed.
