The Plateau State House of Assembly is on the brink of a political storm as Speaker Gabriel Dewan, a member of the Young Peoples Party (YPP), announced the suspension of recognition for 16 lawmakers shortly after the Supreme Court declared Governor Caleb Mutfwang the rightful winner.
In a move that adds complexity to the political landscape, Speaker Dewan declared his intent to acknowledge only eight members out of the total 24, introducing a significant shift in the assembly’s composition.
This development follows the recent Supreme Court judgment that overturned the Court of Appeal’s decision, leading to the reinstatement of 16 lawmakers initially removed under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Appeal Court had based its decision on the alleged lack of legitimacy for the PDP to sponsor these lawmakers due to internal issues within the party.
In response to the Appeal Court’s decision, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had issued certificates of return to members affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the recent Supreme Court ruling, resulting from Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s successful appeal against his removal, asserted that the expulsion of the 16 PDP members was unjustified.
The aftermath of this judgment has triggered Speaker Dewan’s suspension of the recognition of the 16 lawmakers, setting the stage for potential political turbulence within the Plateau State House of Assembly.
