The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, says he is in possession of a court injunction mandating him to recognise only eight lawmakers.
Dewan stated that the 16 sacked Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers, and the other 16 with certificates of return, were all laying claim to the seats.
The Speaker made the disclosure during plenary on Tuesday in Jos, following the resumption of the House from recess.
The Court of Appeal had sacked 16 members elected on the platform of the PDP.
Recall that eight members gained access to the temporary premises of the Assembly, but the others were denied entry.
“At present, there are 32 members laying claim to the seats.
“Since the 32 members had their certificates of return, and are laying claim to their mandates, it would be unlawful to admit them into the chambers.
“For now, only eight members will be sitting. I have a court injunction restraining the House from inaugurating the 16 APC members.
“Yes, they have their certificates of return issued to them by INEC, but they can’t be inaugurated until the final determination or vacation of the injunction,’’ he said.
Recall that there was mild drama earlier on Tuesday, at Old Government House, Jos, the temporary venue of the Assembly.
Teargas was fired as police operatives were trying to stop supporters of the sacked members from gaining access to where the lawmakers were billed to sit.
The temporary Assembly complex has been taken over by security personnel.
