A tense standoff unfolded at the temporary venue of the Plateau State House of Assembly as Speaker Gabriel Dewan barred 16 sacked lawmakers from accessing the premises. The assembly’s resumption, after a prolonged recess, was marred by the Speaker’s refusal to allow the lawmakers into the building.

The Court of Appeal’s decision to sack 16 members elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) set the stage for the contentious developments. Out of the 16 affected lawmakers, only eight managed to gain entry while the others were denied access by the Speaker.

The confrontation escalated when police personnel attempted to prevent supporters of the ousted members from entering the assembly venue, resulting in an accidental discharge of tear gas.

During the ensuing plenary, Speaker Gabriel Dewan cited a court injunction recognizing only the eight members who had gained access to the assembly. He revealed that the remaining 16 ousted lawmakers, along with another 16 holding certificates of return, were in a fierce contention for the seats.

Explaining the situation, Dewan emphasized, “At present, there are 32 members laying claim to the seats. Since the 32 members had their certificates of return and are laying claim to their mandates, it would be unlawful to admit them into the chambers. For now, only eight members will be sitting. I have a court injunction restraining the House from inaugurating the 16 APC members. Yes, they have their certificates of return issued to them by INEC, but they can’t be inaugurated until the final determination or vacation of the injunction.”

The brewing conflict in the Plateau Assembly underscores the high-stakes nature of the political landscape, as legal battles intersect with the exercise of legislative power. The repercussions of these developments are likely to resonate throughout the state, setting the stage for further political and legal maneuvering in the days to come.