By: Valentine Adese (JP) and Paul Naomi,
Civil Society Organizations operating in Plateau State, as a Coalition, has stated that they are saddened by the current unnecessary leadership tussle in the Plateau State House Assembly.
According to the Coalition in a press conference today in Jos, the power tussle among the Lawmakers is not only daily hitting up the political atmosphere, but threatening the peace and cooperate existence of the state.
Adding that, “It is also making life unbearable for citizens and inculcating the culture of violence and use of force instead of debate, diplomacy and dialogue”.
The Coalition Chaired by Gad Shamaki said, it has become critical to call parties to order.
Gad, who presented the position of the Coalition to Journalists said, “It is therefore critical at this point to call on all parties, especially those trying to forcefully change the rules to follow the rules of engagement and constitutional provisions (Sec 92 Sub sec 2c). So that, Lawmakers do not become law breakers as we see in this saga”.
While condemning the poor reportage from Journalists, who covered the conflict at the House of Assembly, Gad said they should have done better, as figures and event seem not to be tallying in their reports.
He said, while some were reporting that, 8 Lawmakers impeached the Speaker, others were reporting, as high as 16 and 12. He therefore questioned what the journalists want their News Consumers to believe.
Flanked by other Coalition members, the Chairman further urged security agents operating in the state to remain impartial in handling the ongoing attempt to change the house Leadership.
“While we commend all gallant officers of all security agencies in the state that have sacrificed their time and life for the maintenance of peace and support for Democracy and Civic space, we however, wish to urge the various security agencies in the state that they should maintain an impartial posture in handling of the ongoing attempt at ‘leadership change’ in the State House of Assembly.
“This call became imperative because, there is a general perception that the State Security Service and the Nigeria Police Force has not been a strategic arbiter in handling the impasse thus far.
“We are worried that the security agencies in the state saddled with the responsibility of providing security, restoring peace and maintaining law and order seems to have become a party in the impasse.
“We want to use this platform to call on the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the State Security Service to call their personnel to order, to ensure they do not compromise the security architecture of the state, which is still fragile and they stand on the side of justice, fairness and peace. They should not avail and allow themselves to be used by politicians as toys or tools of instability”. The Coalition advised.
READ THE FULL PRESS BRIEFING TEXT BELOW:-
PRESS STATEMENT BY COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN PLATEAU STATE, ISSUED ON WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 3RD 2021 IN JOS, PLATEAU STATE
At an emergency meeting of Coalition of Civil Society Organizations which took place on Tuesday 2nd November 2021 at the office of Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative GOPRI. The coalition members deliberated extensively on the unnecessary and avoidable leadership crisis rocking the Plateau State House of Assembly, the role of the security agencies and other stakeholders in the state and came up with following points:
- It is a known fact that over the years, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria and particularly in Plateau state has remained a critical stakeholder in strengthening democratic values and in promoting peace and stability in Plateau state and we have invested so much in both human and material resources. However, we are worried that despite all our efforts the state is still grappling with both real and perceived insecurity and constant threat to social and economic development of the citizens of the state deepened by constant socio-political instability. This is sadly most often championed by members of the political elites which is visible by their actions and inactions have further given the state negative media publicity.
This has also impacted on suitability of local investors and international business and development organizations to sustain any developmental initiative, for local businesses to thrive, and the people have been living in constant fear and anxiety which is regrettable.
- We are saddened by the current unnecessary leadership tussle in the Plateau State House Assembly which daily hit up the political atmosphere, threatening the peace and cooperate existence of the state, making life unbearable for citizens and inculcating the culture of violence and use of force instead of debate, diplomacy and dialogue. It is therefore critical at this point to call on all parties, especially those trying to forcefully change the rules to follow the rules of engagement and constitutional provisions (Sec 92 Sub sec 2c) so that law makers do not become law breakers as we see in this saga.
- While we commend all gallant officers of all security agencies in the state that have sacrificed their time and life for the maintenance of peace and support for Democracy and Civic space, we however, wish to urge the various security agencies in the state that they should maintain an impartial posture in handling of the ongoing attempt at ‘leadership change’ in the State House of Assembly. This call became imperative because there is a general perception that the State Security Service and the Nigeria Police Force has not been a strategic arbiter in handling the impasse thus far. We are worried that the security agencies in the state saddled with the responsibility of providing security, restoring peace and maintaining law and order seems to have become a party in the impasse. We want to use this platform to call on the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the State Security Service to call their personnel to order, to ensure they do not compromise the security architecture of the state which is still fragile and they stand on the side of justice, fairness and peace. They should not avail and allow themselves to be used by politicians as toys or tools of instability.
We are also worried by the militarization of the civic space where military personnel on bikes are always deployed to harass, scuffle, and intimidate harmless civilians firing indiscriminately under the guise of maintaining peace and order where in the real sense there is absolutely no threat to peace and order.
- We equally call on government officials, politicians and other actors to desist from leveraging the vulnerability of unemployed youths, some of whom are victims of bad governance, drug abuse turned drug addicts in need of rehabilitation but instead are turned into cheap political touts at any given opportunity to cause unrest which is unfortunately becoming a way of life.
- A stitch in time saves nine, it is in the best interest of Plateau state to have a people centered and functioning House of Assembly that would promote, support democratic culture and socio-economic development of the state. We therefore, call for a quick resolution of the perceived impasse and democratic norms and practice in the running of the affairs of the Plateau State House of Assembly and we say no to any act of impunity.
In conclusion, as co-travelers in strengthening of developmental and democratic ties in Plateau state and Nigeria at large, we call in very clear and loud voice for the respect for the rule of law, inclusiveness, protection of Democratic Values and independence in the real sense of the word of the three arms of government.
Signed:
COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN PLATEAU STATE
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