Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has revealed his efforts to resolve the leadership crisis among the lawmakers by holding meetings with the factional speakers of the state assembly.
The assembly complex witnessed a dramatic incident on Tuesday when two members, Ibrahim Balarabe and Daniel Ogazi, both from the western zone of the state, emerged as speakers, further intensifying the crisis.
As a result, the Governor faced criticism, with some accusing him of supporting the Balarabe faction. In response, Governor Sule explained his attempts to mediate, stating, that he he tried his best to resolve the issue between the two, as he even invited them over multiple meetings, however the both parties remained adamant.
“We made every possible effort to resolve the matter between them. I had multiple meetings with them prior to the day of the inauguration.”
“Unfortunately, each party remained steadfast in their position. As my responsibility, I had to instruct the clerk to proceed with the House’s inauguration and subsequently appoint a Speaker.”
“However, I was awakened at 4:30 am with calls informing me about a problem at the Assembly. It was reported that the first group had entered the Assembly around 1 am for a program scheduled at 8 am.”
The governor further revealed that after the denial of entry to the opposing camp, he persuaded the former Speaker of the House, Ogazi, to withdraw from the speakership race.