The Plateau State House of Assembly is currently sealed off by the police due to the ongoing tussle over the speakership position. Hon. Ayuba Abok, who was impeached, got a court order for his reinstatement, which led to a commotion at the Assembly complex. In a bid to prevent a breakdown of law and order, the police have sealed off the Assembly until the lawmakers can resolve their differences.
Commissioner of Police, Mr Bartholomew Onyeka, has warned the legislators and their supporters to stay away from the Assembly until further notice. He revealed that the police had invited both parties for a meeting to find a way out of the impasse, but only three out of the twenty members of the House turned up for the meeting. The police presence is necessary to protect those working there and maintain peace.
The deployment of police personnel to the Assembly complex is a preventive measure to protect lives and properties and prevent the breakdown of law and order. The police commissioner clarified that the police officers are non-partisan, and their concern is to ensure that Plateau State remains peaceful for all to live in.
The warring parties are urged to seek peaceful ways of settling their differences in accordance with the rule of law. All law-abiding residents of Plateau State are also advised to go about their lawful businesses while avoiding being used by any person or group to achieve their selfish ambitions.