A Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance (CCSGG) has condemned in strong terms tirades and attacks against Plateau State governor, Barrister Simon Bako Lalong by the impeached Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
The Coalition which is an umbrella body of about 74 Civil Society organisations expressed concern at the turn of events in the aftermath of impeachment of the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ayuba Abok which, the Coalition said was unhealthy for the much needed peaceful atmosphere in Plateau.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Convener of the Coalition, Comrade James Dauda who was flanked by other members maintained that tirades against the governor and attempt to whip up sentiment through spurious allegation that Governor Lalong was behind the impeachment of the former Speaker was not only condemnable, but unacceptable in democratic setting.
The group noted that governor Lalong who is the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum (NGF) was the first to grant judicial and legislative autonomy in Nigeria which the former Speaker enjoyed the privilege.
They wondered how Plateau State House of Assembly which is independent of the Executive turned out to impeach its Speaker for reasons best known to them, yet the governor is being accused of ‘behind the scene’ role.
“Gentlemen of the press, we are aware that Plateau State House of Assembly was the first out of 36 States of the Federation to enjoy legislative and judicial autonomy, even when Hon. Ayuba Abok held sway as Speaker.
“The lawmakers decided to impeach their leader based on reasons best known to them and elected Hon. Yakubu Sanda as new Speaker, which we consider as democracy in action, hence, peace should be allowed to reign at all costs.
The group said, the embattled Speaker had once refused confirmation of State nominees as Commissioners when he has opportunity to do so for Plateau to move forward, yet the governor who was an ex-lawmaker played along given that in democracy, each arms were at liberty to take decision on their own.
The group further bemoaned the ex-Speaker’s recalcitrance in cooperating with the APC party structure in Plateau which has degenerated to factionalization during the recent State congress.
They commended governor Lalong for his maturity and leadership that has ensured peace and tranquility as well as socio-economic and infrastructural development of the State, while calling on the citizens, particularly the youths not to allow themselves to be used.
