News Editor
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Say nearly 2million people denied of legitimate representation
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Benue State has called on the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the rest of the House to urgently lift the suspension of the 13 Assembly members who demonstrated a patriotic resolve against what it described as “legislative misconduct and rascality exhibited on February 19th.”
Recall that after the House voted for the removal of the embattled Chief Judge of the State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese in February, the 13 members addressed a press dissociating themselves from the said removal, a development which led to their suspension for three months.
The PDP described the suspension as unwarranted and unjust saying it has deprived nearly two million people of Benue State of their legitimate representation in the legislative house.
The party said “It also constitutes a blatant affront to the democratic principles that underpin our governance and our collective commitment to democracy.
“Such authoritarian actions must be unequivocally condemned by all patriots who cherish democracy as the foundation of good governance.”
“The Speaker and the Governor should recognize that Nigeria is not under a military regime; democracy thrives when diverse opinions and dissenting voices are respected and allowed to flourish.
“It is deeply disheartening and shameful that all relevant judicial bodies and institutions have universally condemned the Assembly’s actions which were evidently orchestrated by the Executive arm of government. Yet, the 13 courageous lawmakers , who dared to stand for truth and integrity, continue to suffer the repercussions of their principled stand against bad governance, dictatorship and suppression.”
PDP, therefore, demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended members to restore democracy, ensure proper representation, and uphold justice for the people of Benue State.
