APC Stakeholders Support Assembly Over Suspension of LG Chairman

By David Odama

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the banner of the Concerned Stakeholders of the APC in Lafia Local Government Area have expressed full support for the Nasarawa State House of Assembly’s decision to suspend the Chairman of Lafia LGA, Mohammad Haliru-Arabo, for three months.

The group’s spokesperson, Muhammad Habibu, made their position known during a press briefing held in Lafia on Friday.

Habibu stated that the Assembly acted within its constitutional powers after conducting what he described as a thorough review of the allegations levelled against the embattled chairman.

According to the APC stakeholders, findings from the Assembly’s investigation indicated that Haliru-Arabo violated the law in his purported suspension of the Speaker of the Lafia Legislative Council, Mohammed Shu’abu-Madaki.

He noted, “Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, empowers the House of Assembly to investigate any matter relating to the enforcement of state laws, administration of public offices, and conduct of public officials.

“Local Government Chairmen fall directly under this constitutional oversight; therefore, the Assembly has the authority to request that the council chairman step aside to avoid interference with the ongoing investigation.”

Habibu commended Governor Abdullahi Sule and the State Assembly for the manner in which they have managed the situation and administered the state’s affairs. He also called on detractors to allow the government to focus on delivering good governance and ensuring security for the people.

It will be recalled that Speaker Danladi Jatau had announced the suspension of Haliru-Arabo over his alleged role in the crisis affecting the council’s legislative arm.

In the interim, the Assembly has directed the Deputy Chairman, Uba Arikya, to take charge of the council’s administration pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, APC chieftain Abubakar Usman-Sandaji has faulted the suspension, describing it as flawed, politically motivated, and harmful to democratic principles. He argued that the Assembly acted hastily and without presenting credible evidence to justify its action.

The ongoing crisis has resulted in police securing the Lafia Local Government secretariat, with several protesters arrested for demonstrating against the suspension.