Seven APC Members of Plateau Assembly Not Sworn In: Speaker Clarifies Procedural Requirements

The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, provided an explanation for swearing in only nine out of the sixteen All Progressives Congress (APC) members recently reinstated by the Court of Appeal.

The controversy arose following the partial swearing-in ceremony, which took place last week, and has since sparked considerable debate within the political sphere.

The Speaker clarified that the decision to exclude seven APC members from the swearing-in was due to their failure to complete the necessary procedural requirements.

“The seven members are yet to complete the necessary procedures needed before they could be sworn in,” Dewan stated, emphasizing that the decision was not politically motivated but was strictly procedural.

The controversy arose when a court of appeal ousted sixteen members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who previously occupied these seats.

However, the Speaker clarified that there was no direct communication from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or the Certificate of Return (CTC) of the judgement for him to be sure that the members have been removed or any relevant documentation to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members.

Furthermore, he mentioned that the right thing to be done was for INEC to write to him as the Speaker directing him to recognize the members based on the judgement, attaching the communication with the CTC of the judgement. However, this was never done.

As for the nine members who were sworn in, the Speaker confirmed that they had submitted their certificates of return and met all the requirements for inauguration.

In response to accusations that he had ignored a court order, the Speaker challenged those accusing him to sue him for contempt, maintaining that his actions were not politically motivated but were aimed at ensuring that due process was followed.

This situation has created a significant amount of tension between the APC and the PDP, with the APC accusing the Speaker of ignoring a court order.

However, the Speaker’s clarification has shed light on the procedural requirements that must be met before the remaining members can be sworn in.

The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly has provided a clear explanation for the partial swearing-in of APC members, citing the need for the completion of necessary procedural requirements.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the political landscape in Plateau State will be affected by this development.