Speaker Gabriel Dewan of the Plateau State House of Assembly has declared that he will only recognize eight members amidst a deepening crisis that has gripped the legislative body.
This decision comes in the aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling that overturned a previous judgment by the Appeal Court, throwing the Assembly into unprecedented uncertainty.
Background
The political upheaval began when the Appeal Court ousted 16 members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), subsequently leading to the elevation of Speaker Dewan, the sole representative of the Young Peoples Party (YPP) in the Assembly.
The court ruled that the PDP’s nomination process lacked legitimacy, rendering the affected members ineligible.
However, a recent Supreme Court decision has sent shockwaves through Plateau State’s political landscape.
The apex court declared that the removal of the 16 PDP members was unjust, emphasizing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had no right to interfere in the internal affairs of another party.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, delivering the judgment, expressed regret over the consequences of the Appeal Court’s earlier decision, highlighting a critical legal flaw.
Despite the Supreme Court’s clear directive, Speaker Dewan has defiantly stated that he will not recognize the 16 APC members who initially benefited from the appellate court’s ruling.
Addressing the media in Jos, he asserted the finality of the Supreme Court’s pronouncement, nullifying the lower court’s position and leaving only eight members officially recognized in the Assembly.
This bold stance by Speaker Dewan raises questions about the status of the 16 lawmakers affirmed by the Court of Appeal, who are now seeking redress from the Supreme Court.
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