“Lalong Blasts Plateau Speaker for Snubbing Swearing-In of Six APC Lawmakers”

Babatunji Wusu –

Former Governor Simon Lalong has criticized Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Gabriel Dewan, for his refusal to swear in the remaining six elected All Progressives Congress (APC) members. During a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, Plateau State, Lalong, who is currently serving as a senator for Plateau South, expressed frustration over Dewan’s disobedience to a court ruling and his public assertion of authority over the matter.

Lalong asserted that the APC holds a majority in the House and dismissed concerns that the inclusion of these members would be used to undermine the Governor. He labeled Dewan’s reported requirement for members to sign resignation letters before taking their oaths as undemocratic and a violation of the rule of law. He called on APC members in the House to pressure the Speaker to comply with legal judgments, emphasizing that current injustices could have future repercussions.

In his address, Lalong also urged the Assembly to pass a resolution to reinstate local government chairmen and councillors who had been removed from office illegally. He praised the party leadership for their efforts in addressing grievances and assured members that the issue of a missing Minister for Plateau State has been brought to the President’s attention for resolution.

Party Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature lauded the party members for their unity and maturity during the recent primaries and expressed confidence in the party’s performance in the upcoming local government elections. He criticized the PDP-led state government for failing to deliver on its promises despite significant financial allocations.

Senator Diket Plang encouraged party members to stay united and work together for electoral success, while also advising them to use internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address conflicts within the party.