Political Turmoil Grips Lafia Local Government Following Chairman’s Suspension
A significant political rift has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, following the recent three-month suspension of the Council Chairman, Mohammad Arabo, by the State House of Assembly. The situation has escalated, with the local government secretariat now under police watch and several individuals reportedly arrested for protesting Arabo’s suspension.
The State House of Assembly’s decision to suspend Chairman Arabo stems from allegations of his involvement in the impeachment proceedings against the Council’s Speaker, Mohammed Madaki. Lawmakers stated that the suspension is intended to provide a conducive environment for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. In the interim, the Vice Chairman of the local government, Uba Arikya, has been directed to assume leadership and manage the council’s affairs until the investigation concludes.
However, this move has not been met with universal approval. A faction operating under the banner of the Nasarawa Council for Protection of Democracy (NACOPOD) publicly voiced its opposition to the Assembly’s decision during a press conference. Abubakar Sandaji, the spokesperson for NACOPOD, which comprises APC members, argued that the House of Assembly failed to present any concrete evidence to substantiate the claims of Arabo’s interference. Sandaji asserted that the suspension was premature and infringed upon the chairman’s fundamental right to a fair hearing.
In stark contrast, another group, identifying as Concerned APC Stakeholders in Lafia LG and reportedly led by Vice Chairman Uba Arikya, has thrown its full support behind the Assembly’s decision. Addressing journalists in Lafia, the state capital, the spokesperson for this group, Muhammad Habibu, maintained that the State House of Assembly acted well within its constitutional boundaries.
Habibu elaborated that the Assembly had carefully reviewed the allegations leveled against the suspended chairman and concluded that he had indeed violated legal procedures in the purported impeachment of the speaker. He cited Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which grants the House of Assembly the authority to scrutinize matters pertaining to the implementation of state laws, the administration of public offices, and the conduct of public officials.
According to Habibu, local government chairmen are directly subject to this constitutional oversight. Therefore, he argued, the Assembly is justified in requiring the council chairman to step aside to prevent any potential interference with the ongoing investigation.
The Concerned APC Stakeholders also extended commendations to Governor Abdullahi Sule and the State House of Assembly for their management of the state’s affairs. They urged political stakeholders to allow the government to focus on delivering good governance and ensuring security across Nasarawa State.
The group further emphasized the legitimacy of the State House of Assembly’s oversight and disciplinary powers over local government officials. They also highlighted the Governor’s executive authority in maintaining stability and upholding legal compliance. This group insisted that these constitutional duties would be exercised without hesitation, regardless of the individuals involved.
In a strong rebuke of Sandaji’s statements, the Concerned APC Stakeholders condemned them as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the political landscape of Lafia Local Government and the wider Nasarawa State. They characterized such pronouncements as an affront to the authority of the Governor and the integrity of the State Assembly. This internal party division underscores the complex political dynamics at play within Lafia Local Government, with significant implications for its governance and stability.
