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The All Progressive Congress, APC, Plateau State chapter, has rejected what it described as the forceful inauguration of nine out of the 16 elected members of the Assembly.
The state chairman of the party, Rufus Bature, dismissed the inauguration, describing it as a democratic abnormality that cannot stand the test of time.
Bature, who spoke with newsmen after Friday’s inauguration at Old Government House, Jos, said: “I received it as a shocking development for the Plateau Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang to compel nine APC state lawmakers to succumb to the swearing-in ceremony that only represented flagrant abuse of democratic tents and principles.”
DAILY POST reports that the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, had sworn in nine out of 16 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers.
The nine members sworn in are: Hon Yusuf Dickson Chollom of Barkin Ladi constituency; Hon Abdul Adamu of Mangu North; Daniel Nanbol Lipstick of Langtang North central; Hon Denti Laven Jacob of Pankshin South; Hon Abel Nansak of Langtang North; Hon Bendel Nanchuat of Langtang South; Hon Wallangko Sylvester Ibrahim of Bokkos; Kwarpo Mathew Sylvanus of Mangu South and Hon Eli Bako Ankala Rukuba.
Ankala Isa Madaki Ajiji representing Jos East was elected as Deputy Speaker.
Bature insisted the remaining of the seven lawmakers must be sworn in to complete the 16.
According to him: “In the face of this undemocratic and unconstitutional development, I made two strong demands, that all the 16 APC lawmakers must be sworn in. Secondly, all the 17 elected local government chairmen must be returned to their seats to function as democratically elected LGA chairmen. This is because the Supreme Court has already declared their dissolution from office as null and void.
“I therefore appeal to all people of conscience to compel the Speaker and Gov Caleb Mutfwang to tow the democratic path by ensuring all the democratic structures function without hindrances”
After the inauguration of nine of the 16 APC Assembly members on Friday, Speaker Gabriel Dewan said: “There is no saga in this House and for those who believe there is a saga, all that we are waiting for is for the due process to be followed. I was told that nine members have met the criteria and I have done my part by inaugurating them.”
