By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has lifted the suspension placed on the Executive Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area, Hon. Mohammed Haliru Arabo, with immediate effect.
The decision was announced on the floor of the House in Lafia by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, PhD, during plenary proceedings on Monday.
Speaker Jatau explained that the lifting of the suspension followed the withdrawal of the case instituted by Hon. Arabo at the High Court, as well as appeals by the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd), and other key stakeholders in the state.
While announcing the resolution of the House, the Speaker cautioned against any form of victimisation of the Deputy Chairman of Lafia Local Government, Hon. Uba Arikiya, who acted as Chairman during Arabo’s suspension on the directive of the Assembly.
“The Deputy Chairman should not be victimised. What the state needs is peace, and he acted based on the instruction of the House,” the Speaker stated.
Rt. Hon. Jatau also directed the Clerk of the House to formally communicate the resolution to Governor Abdullahi Sule for necessary action.
He further warned members of the public against undermining the constitutional powers of the legislature, stressing that the Assembly has the authority to invite and question any individual when necessary.
The Speaker additionally cautioned Local Government Chairmen across the state against abuse of office, urging them to conduct themselves in line with the law.
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, moved a motion for the lifting of Hon. Arabo’s suspension, citing the need for unity, understanding, and discipline.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Barr. Esson Mairiga, representing Lafia North Constituency.
The House unanimously adopted the motion, thereby recalling Hon. Arabo to resume his official duties.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki and Hon. Barr. Esson Mairiga commended the Speaker and members for their spirit of forgiveness, noting that “to err is human, to forgive is divine.”
They assured the House of improved cooperation and harmonious working relations.
It would be recalled that on December 10, 2025, the Assembly suspended Hon. Mohammed Haliru Arabo for three months over his alleged involvement in the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lafia Local Government Council.
In a related development, the House approved a motion to proceed on recess.
The motion was moved by the Majority Leader and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba.
The Assembly is expected to resume plenary on February 9, 2026.
