• We’re not aware of meddling in state legislature, says CPS
Alleged interference by Governor Abdullahi Sule in the leadership crisis rocking Nasarawa State House of Assembly has taken a new turn, as protesters, early yesterday, blocked entrance into the legislative complex.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Addra, however, denied knowledge of any interference by his principal.
Factional Speaker of 13 members of the House, Daniel Ogah Ogazi, accused Commissioner of Police (CP), Maiyaki Baba, of fueling the crisis bedeviling the House.
Ogazi, who made the accusation at the gate to the legislative complex, after he was denied access by Baba, asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intervene and call the CP to order, in the interest of peace in the state.
He said: “The CP is taking side and encouraging illegality in the state by providing cover and protection for the 10 factional members to sit and carry out illegal proceedings in the House.”
Ogazi said the CP should be held responsible for any breach of the peace in Nasarawa.
He added: “The CP sealed the gate of the Assembly on Wednesday but opened the gate and escorted the Balarabe-led faction, this morning, into the chamber. When the 13 members and I, who were legally inaugurated at the chamber, wanted to enter, the CP and his officers told us we could not.
“Baba was sent to Nasarawa State to ensure peace, not to fuel crisis or take side in any matter that affects the interest of the entire state. We are calling on the IGP to kindly intervene, to ensure peace and fairness in Nasarawa.”
MEANWHILE, spokesman for the police in the state, DSP Ramhan Nansel, admitted that the commissioner, on Wednesday, sealed the Assembly but said the police command was not aware of the 10 members gaining entrance into the complex.
The protesters, who defied heavy presence of policemen at the entrance, alleged that Sule was interfering on who becomes new Speaker.
They chanted songs and offered prayers to God for intervention against injustice in the state.
Spokesperson for the group, Mr. James Alu, alleged: “Governor Sule wants to thwart democracy, set the state on fire and create confusion and crisis. He should be held responsible, if violence happens over his interference.”
During its sitting, yesterday, Balarabe announced approval of renovation of the complex by the governor.
He added: “We are proceeding on recess today (yesterday), June 8, to resume on July 10, to enable the Ministry of Works renovate the House, as approved by Governor Abdullahi Sule.”
