How Nasarawa Assembly Members Fight Violently Over Appointment of Sole Administrators

Rabiu Omaku

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly was today (Monday) plunged into crisis following the swearing in of eleven Sole Administrators by Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the red chamber of the Assembly turned to a wrestling arena as Hon.Musa Ali (APC) representing Keffi beat up Hon.Sani Muhammed (APC) representing Obi 1 to stupor.

The furore between a loyal member of Governor Al-Makura and the anti-Al-Makura lawmaker turned the Assembly chamber rowdy. The fighting which also scattered  seats and table as well mace was quelled following the adjournment of the session which was marred by the cacophony.

Makpa Mala, the chairman House Committee on Information (APC) representing Wamba while fielding questions from Journalists attested that the House is a divided House, as he added that the lawmakers will resolve their differences on the side of the law.

“We will not allow illegality to be the order of the day, Hon. Muhammed Kassim Muhammed (APC) representing Akwanga West raised eyebrow over the existence of casual workers in the state and the Assembly.

He further hoodwinked the state Governor over the payment of percentage to workers under the current regime, saying sycophants exist in the Assembly,the rescheduled sitting was marred by another round of free for all fight as Hon.Ogbere Kana handled the mace.

The four protesting members that kicked against the sole administrators’ protest order 38 subsections 1,2,3 of the House, gave room for the suspension of members,Hon Ogbere Kana ,a  lawyer who faulted the content of the house rule.

Mr. Abubakar Oberre Kana, said; “The sole administrators are standing on what law? Who is now determining the salaries of the sole administrators and their tenure and if the sole administrators commit an offense, what laws can the state use to punish them?”

“In 2011, the state House of Assembly only passed an existing law, section 3 to 14 of the laws provide a room for Transitional Committee Members for development areas not sole administrators, now which law provides a room for the appointment of the sole administrators?”

Barrister Kana described the content of order 38 House rule as erroneous as they ignored the suspension, the protesting members also faulted the leadership of the Assembly under the Deputy Speaker,Godiya Akwashiki representing Nasarawa Eggon North.

In an interview, the Deputy speaker while reacting on the furor that enveloped the Assembly described the in-fight as part of legislative assignment, he also debunked the rumor making round that the members were bribed.

“We were invited to Abuja by the Governor, but seventeen (17)  members out of 24 refused to go to Abuja, turning down Governors invitation, this  is a disrespect to the executive Governor.