Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has reacted to the ongoing leadership crisis plaguing the state assembly.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that he revealed that he has engaged with both factions of the assembly speakers.
A scene of commotion had unfolded at the assembly complex on Tuesday when two members, Ibrahim Balarabe and Daniel Ogazi, emerged as speakers. Consequently, the governor faced criticism, with some accusing him of favouring the Balarabe faction.
However, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Governor Sule clarified that he had called for a truce between the warring camps. He emphasised that the two contenders for the Speakership position were friends.
“We made every effort to resolve the matter between them. I had multiple meetings with them before the inauguration day,” the governor stated on Thursday.
“Unfortunately, each party remained steadfast in their positions. As my responsibility dictated, I instructed the clerk to proceed with the inauguration of the House and appoint a Speaker.”
Governor Sule further disclosed that at 4:30 am, he received distress calls alerting him to a problem at the Assembly. It was reported that the first group had entered the Assembly at 1 am for a program scheduled for 8 am.
Following the denial of access to the opposing camp, the governor convinced the former Speaker, Ogazi, to withdraw from the speakership race.
“We explored all possible avenues to resolve the matter between them. I had numerous meetings with them before the inauguration day,” Governor Sule reiterated.
“The two best friends in the house have served for a significant period of time. One of them is a former Speaker, and the other is a respectful gentleman who decided to challenge the former Speaker.”
