Appeal Court Sacks 16 PDP Lawmakers in Plateau State
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has removed all 16 members of the Plateau State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to disobedience to a court order and a lack of political structure.
Meanwhile, Professor John Wade, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserted that the PDP shouldn’t receive sympathy as it caused its own downfall. The State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mr. Musa Ashoms, labeled the recent judgment against the PDP as a temporary setback.
Before this ruling, the Appeal Court had previously ousted four PDP members from the House of Representatives and two senators.
In a surprising turn, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Honourable Moses Sule, his deputy, and other key figures resigned last week. Honourable Dewan Gabriel from the YPP was elected as the new Speaker, who subsequently adjourned the House indefinitely.
Allegations surfaced that this leadership change aimed to prevent the inauguration of new members before the Friday Judgment. There were speculations that the new legislators might investigate the financial activities of the Governor Muftwang-led administration and consider impeachment before the Supreme Court judgment.
It was also rumored that a returning APC member had been chosen as the next speaker of the 24-member state Assembly before the Friday Judgment.
Regarding the speculation about impeaching the governor, the state publicity secretary of the APC, Mr. Slyvanus Namang, denied any such plans, attributing it to PDP’s attempt to gain sympathy.
Namang argued that the election of the new Speaker was part of the state government’s plan to prevent the swearing-in of the new members, causing a constitutional crisis. The newly sworn-in Speaker declared a 2-month recess until January 21st, 2024.
Speaking about the judgments against the PDP, Professor John Wade criticized the party for ignoring advice and described their misfortune as a consequence of arrogance.
In response, Mr. Musa Ashoms defended the PDP, emphasizing its solid structure in Plateau State and expressing optimism about victory at the Supreme Court. He criticized those claiming the PDP lacked structure, asserting that the party had a robust foundation on the Plateau.
Credit: Nigeria Tribune