By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
The Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, addresses various pertinent issues, including the current state of affairs in Plateau State.
Let us commence with the prevailing peace in Plateau State. Formerly, Plateau used to be in the limelight for the wrong reasons, particularly emanating from the State House of Assembly. However, the House is currently experiencing a state of relative peace.
What is the reason behind this?
First and foremost, I express gratitude to God Almighty for guiding and protecting us as citizens of Plateau State. There is nothing peculiar about the peace we are currently enjoying in the state, except that all of us, the Honorable members of the House, have prioritized the interests of Plateau over personal or individual party interests.
We have come to understand that the welfare and progress of Plateau surpass any political party or personal interest. This realization is the foundation of the relative peace that we are currently experiencing in the Assembly. The well-being of the state takes precedence.
At times, the Assembly faces challenges when there is interference from the Executive or other external influences. However, the current situation in the Plateau State Assembly reflects an independent Assembly where the Executive refrains from interference. On our part, as Members of the Assembly, we have collectively agreed to work for the people of Plateau, transcending individual party affiliations.
There are still seven lawmakers awaiting inauguration into the House. I trust that this will not lead to any disturbances in the future.
Regarding the seven members pending inauguration, there is no cause for concern.
In due time, once all necessary procedures are completed, the remaining members will be inaugurated. The interest of Plateau takes precedence above all else, and thus, all aspects will fall into place at the appropriate juncture.
You belong to the opposition political party, as the Speaker, how would you describe the relationship among members of the House?
There is a fundamental aspect that some individuals fail to comprehend. Within the Assembly, there are regulations governing our conduct. Once you are elected and step into the Assembly, your political party’s interests are left outside; all our actions are driven by the Assembly and the state’s best interests.
Political parties do not hold sway within the Assembly. Party matters are reserved for discussions outside the Assembly setting. During our plenary or legislative sessions, political affiliations are not entertained. Hence, the relationship among members remains harmonious. It is essential to remember that prior to our election, we were all first and foremost sons and daughters of Plateau State. Thus, there exist relationships among us as colleagues.
While political parties may create divisions among us, at the core, we are unified. I hail from the YPP, yet I have colleagues from the Labour Party and the APC. This diversity does not breed enmity or opposition; it simply reflects our pre-election and post-election interests.
During elections, everyone strives to attain power or secure a political office, leading to divisions. However, once the election cycle concludes, the focus shifts to serving the people and fulfilling the responsibilities for which we were elected. It is imperative to set aside any differences encountered during the pre-election phase and embrace post-election interests for the betterment of the citizens.
Some of us share familial relations with other members. The House legislation stipulates that any member can assume the position of Speaker. Before my tenure, other individuals held the Speaker’s position, and after me, others will follow suit. It is crucial to recognize that the time for governance has arrived, not politicking. If one seeks politics, they must wait until 2027. For now, governance takes precedence. Our relationships are characterized by cordiality.
Let us delve into the relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms. The governor extended his congratulations to you as the Speaker. Considering your emphasis on Plateau’s interests, can the cordial relationship between you and the Executive foster development?
Our relationship is truly remarkable. I can assert, unequivocally, that if there is any Assembly in the country enjoying a harmonious relationship with the Executive, it is the Plateau Assembly. Upon inaugurating the nine members, our first port of call was to visit the governor and apprise him of the developments.
The warm reception we received from him was evident. Ordinarily, it is the House’s responsibility to organize a retreat to induct new Members. However, out of his generosity, the governor expressed his willingness to collaborate with us. Subsequently, the governor will officiate the opening of our upcoming retreat. This exemplifies the amicable working relationship we share, a departure from practices observed in other Assemblies.
A few months ago, the Assembly encountered crises stemming from political party interests. Nonetheless, the governor refrained from intervening within the Assembly or impeding its duties, as witnessed elsewhere. He only provides counsel upon hearing of any issues, offering advice without interfering.
While a clear separation of powers exists in the state, collaboration, and partnership are fostered for the betterment of Plateau. To gauge the smooth progress, one need only observe the members’ attendance at the governor’s events to offer support. In contrast, in some Assemblies, members rarely attend the governor’s functions, indicating underlying issues. In Plateau State, with four political parties in government, including the PDP, YPP, APC, and Labour Party, we have managed to maintain peace and unity by prioritizing the interest of Plateau above all else. Prior to political affiliations, there was Plateau, and it is our duty to safeguard its legacy for future generations.
Before us, there were members, and after us, there will be members. Therefore, there is no need to allow political party disparities lasting a mere four years to disrupt our unity. The relationship between the Plateau State Assembly and the Executive is characterized by cordiality and excellence. Credit must be given to the governor for his maturity and understanding; we should take pride in his leadership.
What message do you have for the people of Plateau State, especially considering the prevalent insecurity in certain regions of the state? What strategies are in place to ensure stable security across the state?
Recently, the Speakers of the 36 states in Nigeria advocated for the establishment of State Police, a critical requirement that Plateau State urgently needs. The governor and security agencies have been proactive in addressing security challenges; all they require is our support. We urge citizens to remain vigilant, particularly during the farming season. Adversaries often target this period to disrupt farming activities, leading to food scarcity. We remain committed to enacting laws that directly impact the populace, particularly focusing on security and the protection of lives and property. We align with the governor’s agenda to enhance security and safeguard the lives of our people.
