The 16 elected lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Nigeria, are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in their swearing-in, as they remain uninducted by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
In a plea voiced after a meeting with the APC’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the lawmakers highlighted the urgent need to convene the Assembly, which has been on a five-month recess, to prevent lawlessness. They also called upon global democratic allies, including the United Nations and the European Union, to exert pressure for their induction, emphasizing their legitimacy upheld by court judgments.
Additionally, the lawmakers commended President Tinubu and Security Chiefs for efforts in safeguarding lives and properties, particularly the recent establishment of a military base in Bokkos Local Government Council. They also expressed condolences for victims of recent attacks across the state.
The lawmakers, beneficiaries of favorable Court of Appeal rulings in November 2023, have faced delays despite possessing Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Their plea rests on Section 94(1) of the constitution, asserting their rightful place as constituting a two-thirds majority in the 24-member Plateau State House of Assembly.
The lawmakers comprise Sanda Yakubu Yakson, Naanlong Gapyil Daniel, Adamu Abdul, Daniel Nanbol Listick, Yusuf Dickson Chollom, Sunday Mark Nah, Eli Bako Ankala, Dalyop Isaac Gyang, Dachung Moses Dadon, Laven Denty Jacob, Wallangko Sylvester Ibrahim, Pwarpo Mathew Sylvanus, Bendel Nancwat Domfa, Nimchak Abel Nansak, Dagogot Karyit Owen, and Maiyaki Theodore Bala.