News Editor
Mrs Esther Dusu (PDP), representing Jos North-West Constiteuncy in the Plateau House of Assembly says the impeachment of Ayuba Abok as the Speaker of the assembly remains “illegal”Dusu said this when some stakeholders in her constiteuncy visited her on Thursday in Jos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that seven out of the 24 members of the assembly on October 28 at about 6a.m., impeached Abok and elected Assemblyman Yakubu Sanda as its new speaker.However, 12 members of the assembly kicked against the act and described it as “gross illegality”.
Dusu also maintained that none of the nine members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the house participated in the impeachment.
She explained that Abok committed no crime, insisting that as speaker, he has always carried all members along devoid of religious, tribal or party affiliation.She alleged that the removal of Abok from office was politically motivated, adding that it was to satisfy the whims and caprices of some few persons.
“During our last sitting before we proceeded on recess, we all passed a vote of confidence on Abok as our speaker.
“The motion was moved by Na’aanlong Daniel, the Majority Leader of the assembly and nobody has for one day brought any allegation against Abok.
“Abok was a speaker for all; he never discriminate members along party, tribal or religious lines.
“For the records, none of the nine PDP members signed anything or collected money to impeach Abok as claimed in some quarters.
“We stood with Abok and we are still standing with him because we believe due process was not followed and so the impeachment remains illegal,” she said.
Dusu further revealed that only six members appended their signature for the impeachment, adding that the time was against the rules of the house.
“You must have two-third majority of the house to impeach a speaker but only six members signed for the impeachment not even seven as being reported.
“Eight members were at the assembly complex that morning, but only six signed and so I don’t know where they got the sixteen members they are claiming impeached Abok.
“Our siting time as stated in the House Rule is 10a.m., but they sat at 6a.m. and that makes the whole process a gross illegality, “she said.
The lawmaker called on her constituent to keep faith and continue to support her bid in ensuring justice and fairness prevail.
Leader of the delegation, Chief Saleh Adudu, former Northern Zone PDP Chairman in the state, thanked the lawmaker for taking time to provide clarification to her constituents on the crisis rocking the assembly.
He added that they only came to seek clarification on the happening and he observed that the lawmaker had provided satisfactory.
(NAN)
