The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Honorable Dewan Kutdangbena Gabriel, finds himself embroiled in controversy following the emergence of a viral video in which he refers to certain assembly members as “Mafias.”
In the video, recorded during a trip to Kigali, Rwanda, Speaker Gabriel is heard saying, “We are chilling at Kwata Airport, yeah, the Mafias; the Plateau Members.” This offhand remark has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media platforms and within the Assembly itself.
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Accompanied in the video by Members Joseph Gokum and Isa Madaki, the Speaker’s comments have drawn condemnation against the backdrop of ongoing crises within the Plateau State House of Assembly. This uproar comes amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous period for the Plateau State Assembly, marred by legal disputes and political upheaval. The recent decision by the Court of Appeal to overturn the election results of 16 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, leaving only 8 seated representatives, has intensified tensions within the legislative body.
Reactions to the video have been swift and unforgiving, with many branding the Speaker’s remarks as insensitive and irresponsible. Questions abound regarding the implications of labeling elected officials as “Mafias,” a term synonymous with organized crime and corruption.
The aftermath of a judicial decision that overturned the election results of 16 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, leaving only 8 representatives standing. This contentious ruling has plunged the Assembly into disarray, exacerbating tensions and raising questions about legitimacy and governance.
Public reaction to the video has been swift and damning, with many denouncing the Speaker’s remarks as insensitive and reckless. The use of the term “Mafia” has particularly sparked outrage, evoking connotations of organized crime and clandestine influence. Critics contend that such language not only disparages the integrity of the Assembly but also undermines public trust in its members.
The Speaker’s assertion of a court injunction recognizing only the 8 seated members has further inflamed tensions, with critics accusing him of exacerbating the Assembly’s deadlock for personal gain. With 16 constituencies effectively disenfranchised, the state faces a crisis of democratic legitimacy and constitutional adherence. This recent video has further fueled speculation regarding the true motives behind the Speaker’s actions, with some accusing him of wielding power to the detriment of democratic principles.
Against the backdrop of mounting criticism, questions abound regarding the Assembly’s ability to fulfill its constitutional duties amidst the ongoing crisis. With the specter of prolonged deadlock looming large, concerns over governance and representation in Plateau State have reached fever pitch.
As the saga unfolds, stakeholders and observers alike remain divided over the Speaker’s intentions and the broader implications for Plateau State’s political landscape. With tensions simmering and uncertainty prevailing, the road ahead appears fraught with challenges as the Assembly grapples with its most profound crisis in recent memory.
