A civil society group, the Concerned Nasarawa All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders Forum, calls for intervention in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly dispute.
The factional members’ suspension by 13 members sparked a crisis in the parliament on June 8.
The group is urging Governor Abdullahi Sule and the National Assembly to take temporary charge until the matter is resolved.
Concerns arise regarding the increasing lawlessness and impunity within the State House of Assembly.
The group aims to address the Speakership challenges and protect democratic norms under attack in the state.
“We find it necessary to address you today on the unhealthy state of affairs developing in Nasarawa State, which could affect the growth of democracy in our state and the nation at large, because it is a bad example.
“This media engagement today is part of our patriotic efforts to save democracy, end lawlessness and impunity which is the new normal in Nasarawa State and is being perpetrated by the executive governor.
“The Concerned Nasarawa APC Stakeholders are worried over the substitution of impunity and lawlessness in the political space of the state, perpetuated by individuals who consider themselves invincible and their political interests above the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria,” the group stated.
‘Disappointed in the actions of the Governor’
The group also criticizes the state house of assembly for disregarding due process and defying a court judgement.
They criticize the assembly for rejecting Ogah Ogazi, who was elected through a simple majority vote.
The concerned group accuses Governor Sule of accommodating the Balarabe-led group and violating the Constitution.
“Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s ill-conceived hospitality and reception of the Balarabe led group of some Assembly members at the Government House, Lafia recently without recourse to the existing order of a Federal High Court on the Assembly matter is an aberration of his oath of office, which he swore with the holy Qur’an to uphold the Constitution and preserve democracy in the State.
“The Governor has continued unabated to lead a direct attack on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which he’s saddled with the responsibility of protecting.
“We’re so far disappointed by the actions of the Governor on this matter, despite wise counsels and entreaties from critical stakeholders of the APC and the State, on the need to broker peace between the two factions. Sadly the Governor has continued to recognise the illegality perpetuated by the Balarabe group.” The group added.