Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state has reacted to the impeachment of Abok Ayuba as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly saying that he was surprised about the development.
Nelsdaily had reported that Abok, who represents Jos East Constituency in the State Assembly was on Thursday morning impeached by eight out of the 24 Assembly members as confirmed by the lawmaker representing Rukuba /Irigwe constituency, Musa Agah.
Agah had said that he was at the Assembly complex when the eight lawmakers carried out the impeachment while other lawmakers who were opposed to the speaker’s removal were prevented by security agents from gaining access to the Assembly complex.
But the Governor who spoke on Thursday when the new Speaker, Yakubu Sanda visited him at the Rayfield Government House in Jos, disagreed with Musa Agah and insisted that 16 lawmakers signed for the impeachment of the former Speaker.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut said, “The new Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda has led principal officers and some members of the House to the Government House to assure the Executive arm of its collaboration and cooperation in running the affairs of the State.
“The new Speaker was received at the Government House by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, on behalf of the Governor.
“Speaking during the visit, the Majority leader of the House Hon. Naanlong Daniel said they were at the Government House in line with the tradition of the House to introduce the new leadership of the House whenever there is a change.”
The statement added that the new Speaker emerged after 16 of the 23 members of the House signed the petition to impeach the former Speaker.
“He said the new Speaker emerged after 16 of the 23 members of the House signed the petition to impeach the former Speaker Rt. Hon. Nuhu Ayuba Abok over a series of allegations.
“The new Speaker Hon. Yakubu Sanda said the new leadership of the House will work in synergy with the Executive and Judiciary for the peace, progress and development of Plateau State.
“He said the House which now enjoys full autonomy will use its legislative powers to ensure that Government programs and projects impact the people at the grassroots level.”
Responding on behalf of the Governor, the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu said Governor Lalong and the entire Executive arm was surprised with the development, but nevertheless respects the decision of the House which is an autonomous organ that has powers to manage its internal affairs.
He assured the House that the doors of the Executive will always remain open for collaboration and cooperation with the legislature in delivering good governance and actualising the Rescue Agenda.
The Speaker was accompanied on the courtesy visit by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Shehu Sale Yipmong, Majority leader and ten other members.
Comments