Lawmakers loyal to Yakubu Sanda as Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly on Thursday said due process was followed in the impeachment of the embattled Speaker, Ayuba Abok.

Sanda’s group stated this at a press conference in Jos addressed by the lawmaker representing Mikang State Constituency, Daniel Naalong.

The group also insisted that Abok was removed as speaker because of “gross incompetence, high handedness and financial recklessness in the management of the house affairs.”

Naalong said, “We want to put it on record that due process was followed in the impeachment of the former speaker, Abok Ayuba, as provided in Section 92, 2 (C) Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (As amended). Sixteen out of the 24 members sign a resolution for his impeachment. This was complied with on the 28th October 2021.

“The public and members of the press should note that 17 members were present in the chambers at the sitting on that day which is more than the required number that forms a quorum in any legislative business of a state House of Assembly.

“It is baseless and misleading to say that only eight numbers signed for the impeachment of the former Speaker. The clerk of the House is in possession of the names of all members who were in the House on that day.”

Naalong cautioned those using the Assembly crisis to cause confusion in the state to desist from such act.

He said, “We have noticed with disappointment that there are external forces using the former speaker to achieve their political ends. Our conclusion is based on the fact that upon the removal of the former speaker, he immediately congratulated the new Speaker, Yakubu Sanda, in a communication which is available.

Similarly, he wrote a resignation letter and pleaded with the new speaker to accept his resignation and give him soft landing so that the record of impeachment will not hang on his neck. While that was being considered, he was incited by those who want to exploit the situation. This escalated the situation, leading to the security breach and destruction of some parts of the House. We advise those fuelling this matter to desist as they will be required to pay for their actions in due time.”

“We are calling on Senator Jonah Jang, Senator I.D. Gyang, House of Reps member, Musa Bagos, as well as the Lagos State House of Assembly, former Senate President Bukola Saraki and many others to always cross-check their facts, as their action and comments are misleading and not a true reflection of what transpired on the floor of the house.

“Similarly, we take exception to the comments of a former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, who threw caution to the wind to use abusive language on honourable members of the Plateau State House of Assembly. While we warn him to desist from disrespecting the members, some of whom are far older than him, we thank His Excellency the Senate President Dr Ahmad Lawan who called cautioned him.”