The Plateau State House of Assembly has been sealed by the police over concerns of a possible breakdown of law and order amid the ongoing leadership tussle in the House. This is the second time in less than a week that the police have cordoned off the complex, preventing lawmakers from accessing it.
The police, in a statement released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ubah Ogaba, stated that they had to seal off the complex to prevent any security breach and curb any act that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The tension in the House of Assembly has been palpable since the emergence of parallel leadership factions last week. The development led to a physical altercation between the two factions, with some lawmakers sustaining injuries.
Following the altercation, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, who was allegedly stabbed during the fracas, raised the alarm over a possible attack on his life, prompting the police to increase his security details.
The House was earlier scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, but it was postponed indefinitely. The police have advised that the complex will remain sealed until further notice.
Meanwhile, concerned citizens have called on the lawmakers to sheath their swords and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Plateau State has witnessed numerous ethno-religious crises in the past, and there are fears that the current leadership tussle in the House of Assembly could exacerbate the already fragile peace in the state.
It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days as political tensions continue to mount in the House of Assembly. However, it is hoped that the lawmakers will prioritize the peace and security of the state over their personal interests and resolve the crisis amicably.
