News Editor
Contrary to widespread speculations on the ongoing Assembly leadership court case, I wish to clarify issues so that the general public can have a better understanding of the true position of things as regards the progress recorded by our legal team on the matter so far.
It will be recalled that on the emergence of the former Speaker Balarabe’s parallel Assembly, we drafted our legal team into instituting a legal action which two separate court cases were filed accordingly, one at the Federal High Court Abuja and the other at the Federal High Court sitting in Lafia.
Contrary to speculations that the case at the Federal High Court Lafia was thrown out for lacking in merit, it is however a deliberate decision by my members, a decision directing our legal counsel to withdraw the case from the Federal High Court Lafia, which was accordingly struck out by the court as the tradition, following a request from our counsel.
The case already instituted against the former Speaker of the Assembly, Abdullahi Balarabe at the Federal High Court Abuja still stands. The court in reaffirming its firm position in upholding the rule of law, democracy, and social justice has reinforced its earlier order barring Former Speaker Balarabe from parading himself as Speaker of the 7th Assembly in a fresh court contempt notice, which ordered the former Speaker to show cause why he should not be remanded in prison for flaunting court order.
Our decision to pursue this unfortunate development in the Assembly using all available legal apparatus is borne out of regard for the constitutional process and rule of law.
However, the general public should note that there are considerable efforts geared towards the possible resolution of this crisis, as initiated by His Excellency the Governor of Nasarawa State. Be assured that whatever resolution to be adopted, shall be in the overall interest and development of Nasarawa State. I shall update the general public as developments unfold.
Rt. Hon. Daniel Ogah Ogazi
Speaker, Nasarawa State House Of Assembly.
Tuesday, 11th July 2023.
