A potentially explosive political crisis is on the horizon in Plateau State, with 16 members of the State House of Assembly, previously ousted by the Court of Appeal, boldly declaring their intent to make a dramatic return to the legislative chambers.
This audacious move comes in defiance of court judgments that nullified their elections on the grounds that their party lacked the necessary structure to sponsor candidates in the last general elections.
During a press briefing in Jos, the state capital, the sacked lawmakers, led by Ishaku Maren, argued that the Supreme Court’s validation of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s election also qualified them to retain their seats in the Assembly.
Recall that the apex upheld the election of the state have governor, upturning the earlier decision of the appellate court, which was on the same ground the state lawmakers were ousted.
Unveiling their plan on Monday, they announced their intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, coinciding with the House’s expected reconvening after a two-month recess.
Governor Mutfwang, after a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had indicated on Friday that both political and legal avenues were under exploration to address the perceived injustice against the sacked PDP lawmakers by the Court of Appeal.
The brewing conflict sets the stage for a high-stakes confrontation within the Plateau State political landscape.
