The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for the impeachment of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan.
The APC, in a statement issued on Monday by its Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi, stated that it was an anomaly for the Speaker’s position to be in the Southern Senatorial Zone rather than in the Central Zone, which already holds the governorship position.
In the statement, the APC accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of manipulating the political structure in the state in its favour.
While describing the PDP’s stance as cancerous and a threat to the state’s political future, Bamaiyi argued that the PDP had distorted the traditional power-sharing arrangement in the state, which ordinarily would have placed the
“The PDP sees nothing wrong with the Central Zone controlling both the executive and legislative arms of government, despite the fact that the Speaker ought to have emerged from the Southern Zone,” he said in the statement.
“Their stance on Plateau’s leadership structure is dangerous and will have long-term implications. While the PDP claims that this power imbalance has brought stability, the reality is far different. Beneath their narrative lies fear of the unknown and a deceptive strategy aimed at misleading the public.
“It is foolhardy to believe that all is well when the Southern Zone, which should have produced the Speaker, has been sidelined. The PDP believes in ‘might is right’ and is ready to distort any political arrangement, regardless of the consequences.
“Let it be known that what exists now is not genuine peace but peace of the graveyard. When the time comes, everyone will be held accountable,” Bamaiyi stated.
But in a swift response, the PDP condemned the demands for Dewan’s removal by the APC, and warned the opposition party that such moves could destabilise the state.
In its own statement issued by the State PDP Secretary, Emma Tuang, the ruling party urged the APC to set aside partisan interests and engage in constructive dialogue.
“The Plateau State Chapter of the PDP expresses profound concern and unequivocal condemnation over the recent call by the APC Chairman, Rufus Bature, for the removal of Speaker Gabriel Dewan,” Tuang said.
“This demand is unfounded and poses a serious threat to the hard-earned stability and progress Plateau has achieved in recent years.
“Under Dewan’s leadership, the House of Assembly has functioned with remarkable stability, facilitating the passage of key legislation that enhances citizens’ welfare, drives economic growth, and strengthens social infrastructure.
“We urge the APC to prioritize the state’s interests over partisan agendas. Instead of resorting to divisive tactics, we call for constructive engagement to sustain the unity and development of Plateau. Political power must serve as an instrument of progress, not a tool for vendettas.’
Though the 24-member Plateau State House of Assembly is dominated by the APC, which holds 22 seats, the Speaker is a member of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
The APC however believes that being the party with the majority of the members in the Assembly, it is natural for one of its lawmaker to be the Speaker.
The party also argues that for equity and fairness and in the spirit of zoning, the position of Speaker should be occupied by a member from the Southern Zone and not the Central Zone where Governor Caleb Mutfwang hails from.
