Nasarawa Assembly Crisis: Balarabe Faction Convenes Plenary Amidst Protests and Enhanced Security

In the midst of heightened security and widespread protests, Ibrahim Balarabe, one of the factional Speakers of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, conducted a plenary session on Thursday. The assembly also witnessed the swearing-in of Hajara Danyaro, the only female lawmaker of the 7th assembly, indicating her affiliation with the Balarabe-led factional group.

Appointment of Principal Officers:
During the plenary, the Balarabe camp announced the principal officers. Adamu Omadefu was appointed as the Majority Leader, with Danladi Jatau serving as the Deputy Majority Leader. Larry Ven-Bawa was designated as the Chief Whip, alongside Suleiman Azara as the Deputy Chief Whip. Ibrahim Musa, a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), assumed the role of Minority Leader, while Musa Saidu and Solomon Akwashiki from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) were chosen as Deputy Minority Leader and Minority Chief Whip, respectively.

Approval of Governor’s Request:
Additionally, the assembly members granted Governor Abdullahi Sule’s request to appoint 20 Special Advisers, acknowledging the significance of their roles in the state’s governance and decision-making processes.

Renovation Plans and Recess:
In light of the governor’s approved renovation project for the Assembly complex, Ibrahim Balarabe announced a break in legislative duties, with a planned resumption date of July 10. This temporary suspension of activities aims to facilitate the commencement of the renovation work.

Protest by “The Nasarawa Coalition for Justice”:
While the plenary was in progress, “The Nasarawa Coalition for Justice,” a group advocating for due process and non-interference in the selection of the Assembly’s leadership, staged a protest. Primarily composed of mature women donning black attire, they demonstrated their discontent outside the Assembly complex in Lafia.

Emergence of Factional Speakers:
The recent developments unfolded amidst the emergence of two factional speakers for the 7th Assembly. Alongside Ibrahim Balarabe, Daniel Ogazi also claimed leadership, resulting in a divided Assembly. The initial inauguration scheduled for Tuesday, June 6th, was postponed by the House’s clerk, Ibrahim Musa, due to security concerns.

Party Affiliations:
Both Ibrahim Balarabe and Daniel Ogazi are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), intensifying the political ramifications of the split within the Assembly.

The Nasarawa Assembly crisis continues to unfold as Ibrahim Balarabe’s faction holds plenary sessions amidst tight security and ongoing protests. With the appointment of principal officers, approval of the governor’s request for Special Advisers, and plans for the Assembly complex’s renovation, the political landscape in Nasarawa State remains tense. The emergence of two factional speakers further deepens the divide within the Assembly, posing challenges to the state’s governance and decision-making processes.