From Our Correspondent
Plateau State's Speaker of the House, Gabriel Dewan, has come under fire for his handling of the swearing-in process for members-elect. Dewan defended the delay in inaugurating sixteen members, claiming they failed to meet the necessary requirements.
Speaking on Channels Television's 'Politics Today', Dewan insisted that the members-elect had not provided the required Certified True Copies of the Court of Appeal judgments that declared their victories and their Certificates of Return.
He further added that these omissions led to the delay in their swearing-in.
However, a source within the affected group contradicted Dewan's claims, stating that the nine members-elect had only presented their Certificates of Return and Code of Conduct receipts before their inauguration. This, they argue, is in line with Section 94 of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act of 2022, and Order 3 Rule 3 of the House standing rules.
Critics have accused Dewan of misinterpreting the rules and exercising power beyond his authority.
They argue that any additional requirements imposed by the Speaker are unconstitutional and go against established norms.
The Speaker's actions have sparked outrage among the constituents of the affected constituencies in Plateau State. Many view Dewan's handling of the situation as a disservice to the people he claims to represent.
Despite the controversy, Dewan expressed his interest in swearing in the remaining seven members-elect while simultaneously demanding compliance with what critics deem as unconstitutional conditions.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has vowed to uphold the rule of law and the Constitution, insisting that all members-elect should be sworn in without unnecessary delays.
