The Plateau assembly complex has been sealed off by security operatives amid the speakership crisis in the state.
An anti-riot police team was said to have arrived at the assembly complex by 5am and barricaded the main entrance.
According to Daily Trust, over 15 security vehicles were spotted at different locations around the complex.
Commenting on the situation, Alfred Alabo, the Plateau police spokesperson, said the move was to preempt the breakdown of law of order around the assembly.
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INCEPTION OF THE CRISIS
On Monday, a high court in Plateau ordered the reinstatement of Abok Ayuba as speaker of the assembly.
His reinstatement comes 17 months after he was impeached by eight lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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The impeachment process was presided over by Saleh Yipmong, the deputy speaker, while security agents were said to have prevented the entrance of legislators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Yakubu Sanda, the member representing Pengana constituency (APC), was subsequently named as the new speaker.
Reacting to the judgement on Tuesday, the house said it is impossible to have two speakers in one assembly, adding that only Sanda is recognised as the speaker.
Naanlong Daniel, chairman, house committee on information, said: “The house of assembly is a respectable institution of law.
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“It is the product of the law and we are confident in the judiciary and our democracy. I want to tell you categorically that there is a rumour going around that the former speaker has obtained a judgment from a court of law.
“As a house, I called the speaker and the clerk for clarity on the issue, and to the best of my knowledge, the house hasn’t been served with any court judgment.
“Even if there is any judgment to that effect, the house still has the right to appeal and also ask for a stay of execution. But until then, we can’t work with rumour. We cannot have two captains on a ship. That is the position of the house.”
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