In a proactive measure to uphold peace and order, the Plateau State Police Command has sealed off the road leading to the state House of Assembly complex in Jos metropolis.
This decision, confirmed by the command’s spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, comes amidst escalating tensions stemming from a dispute between lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Alfred, speaking to Punch on Tuesday, revealed that the road blockade and deployment of personnel to the assembly complex aim to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order in the state. While specific details of the operation were not immediately disclosed, Alfred hinted at an impending press statement to provide clarity on the situation.
The discord revolves around the contentious dismissal of 16 PDP lawmakers and the subsequent disagreement involving APC lawmakers awaiting swearing-in following a Court of Appeal judgment. This deadlock has heightened political tensions within the state, attracting supporters of both parties to the assembly complex gate along John Samci Road.
Mathew Danladi, a PDP supporter, expressed concern over reports that the yet-to-be-sworn-in APC members might attempt to impeach the Speaker. He stated, “We have been here since last night till this Tuesday morning because we learnt that the APC members who were yet to be sworn in as state lawmakers following the controversial court of appeal judgment want to enter the state Assembly and impeach the Speaker.”
Meanwhile, a supporter of the APC, Barnas Dalyop, defended the Speaker’s decision not to swear in the APC members after the Court of Appeal declared them winners. Dalyop argued, “The court of appeal is the highest court in election petitions involving state and national Assembly. The court has ruled in favour of the APC members as the legitimate persons to represent their various constituencies, so why is the Speaker refusing to obey the ruling of the court?”
The situation remains tense as stakeholders await further developments, with the police maintaining a vigilant presence to forestall any potential unrest.
