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THE speedy happening of unsavoury events in Plateau State calls for circumspection in view of its implication on constitutionalism, democracy and national stability. Plateau State is one of the volatile hot beds in the northern region that is susceptible to eruptions at the slightest provocations and this forms a salient reason why government must thread softly.
Attempts by six members of the State House of Assembly last week to convene in an attempt to forcefully impeach Governor Joshua Dariye was repelled by those averse to such move.Two persons were shot dead while the Deputy Senate-President Ibrahim Mantu's home was razed along with some cars. Anti riot policemen and soldiers from the 3rd Armoured Division of Nigerian Army, Rukuba, Jos have been on patrol to maintain the fragile peace in the state capital.
Peace has eluded the state as the parties involved are not ready for cease-fire.This is worsened by the reported withdrawal of security details to the state governor. EFCC have for sometime been after Governor Joshua Dariye because of allegations of graft levelled against him.The 14 lawmakers loyal to him have been EFCC's stumbling block in getting him impeached so that he can be prosecuted.
The 14 lawmakers have had their seats declared vacant by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,for decamping to Action Congress, AC. They are in court to seek judicial reddress having earlier secured an injunction against INEC'S move.The eight members inclusive of two dissenting members are believed to be goaded by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,to remove the governor at all cost.
We condemn adoption of short cut means to effect Dariye's impeachment .The constitution provides the procedure for achieving this and in the interest of due process and the rule of law ,this must be adhered to.The declaration of the seats of the 14 lawmakers vacant by INEC when there is a subsisting court injunction to the contrary looks untidy and an affront to the court. Where was INEC when Wahab Dosunmu and Adeseye Ogunlewe, both members of the Senate, defected to People's Democratic Party,PDP,from Alliance For Democracy,AD in 2003?
Section 109 of the constitution which was relied upon by INEC contains a proviso which allows a member of a House of Assembly elected under a political party platform to defect if there is a division within his previous party .Obviously this seems to be the state of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Plateau State today. The party has been divided along the camps of the governor and Abuja politicians led by the Deputy Senate -President .Fighting between supporters of these two camps led to violence that culminated into a declaration of a state of Emergency on May 10, 2004.
Plateau and Nigeria as a whole should be spared another avoidable destabilising eruptions. Parties to the conflicts within and outside the state can help in this regard by showing utmost respect for the nation's constitution and not resort to self help.
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