- Uncertainty looms over the fate of seven APC lawmakers in Plateau State as Speaker Dewan delays their swearing-in
- Speaker Dewan previously swore in nine out of 16 APC and LP lawmakers, triggering controversy over selection criteria and alleged coercion
According to reports, the fate of seven All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in Plateau State remains uncertain as they have yet to be sworn in by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Gabriel Dewan.
Previously, Dewan, the lone member of the Young Peoples Party (YPP) in the Assembly, swore in nine out of the 16 APC and Labour Party lawmakers, effectively ending a prolonged crisis that had gripped the house since last year. This crisis stemmed from the sacking of 16 PDP lawmakers by the Appeal Court, with the subsequent declaration of the 15 APC members and one LP member as winners of the election in their place.
The lawmakers were expected to be sworn in upon the Assembly’s reconvening in January after a two-month recess. However, the speaker cited two court injunctions for withholding the swearing-in, particularly as the sacked PDP lawmakers made fresh attempts to reclaim their seats.
Under sustained pressure and political manoeuvring, Dewan eventually swore in nine of the 16 APC and LP lawmakers, triggering a new wave of controversy. Questions arose regarding the criteria used by the speaker to select them.
Dewan defended his decision, stating that those sworn in had legitimately met the criteria for inauguration. He assured the remaining seven would be sworn in once they met the same criteria.
However, APC State Chairman Rufus Bature alleged that the nine lawmakers were coerced into signing undated resignation forms. He claimed that those who complied with these conditions were sworn in, and their resignation would be enforced if they acted contrary to the stipulated conditions.
Sources within the State House of Assembly revealed that the nine lawmakers sworn in were preparing to defect to the ruling PDP in the state as part of the conditions allegedly given to them. These arrangements purportedly involve Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the new lawmakers to facilitate their switch to the PDP, seen as an effort by the ruling party to gain control of the assembly.
One of the seven APC lawmakers still awaiting swearing-in, Daniel Naanlong, refused to sign the undated resignation form, asserting they had fulfilled all legal requirements for the inauguration.
In response to these developments, Simon Domle, the Plateau South PDP Zonal Chairman, confirmed the party’s awareness of the lawmakers’ intention to join and welcomed them pending party-level discussions.
Meanwhile, the acting state publicity secretary of the APC, Shittu Bamaiyi, maintained that the seven APC lawmakers must be sworn in despite the speaker’s claims, citing the Court of Appeal’s judgment in support of their position.