The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Lafia Local Government Council, Hon. Mohammad Haliru Arabo, for three months over his alleged role in the impeachment of the council’s legislative speaker.
The suspension followed a motion of public importance moved on the floor of the House on Tuesday by Hon. Musa Ibrahim Abubakar, Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The resolution was announced by Speaker Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, PhD, during plenary in Lafia.
Speaker Jatau said the measure became necessary to allow for an impartial investigation, restore peace, and safeguard the stability of Lafia, the seat of power of the state.
He directed the Deputy Chairman of Lafia Local Government, Hon. Uba Arikiya, to immediately assume leadership of the council pending the conclusion of the investigation by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“This matter affects the peace and stability of Lafia Local Government Area,” the Speaker said.
“Accordingly, the Chairman is hereby suspended for three months pending the outcome of our committee’s investigation.
The status of the Lafia Legislative Arm remains unchanged until the committee concludes its work.”
Quoting constitutional provisions empowering the Assembly to wade into such matters, the Speaker queried the conduct of the suspended chairman, accusing him of encroaching into legislative affairs.
He instructed the Clerk of the House to transmit the resolution to Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Earlier in his motion, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Abubakar expressed concern over reports that the Lafia LG Speaker had been suspended for six months by council lawmakers, with the announcement allegedly made by the LG Chairman, an action he warned could trigger unrest if not addressed.
Lawmakers including Dr. Hajarat Danyaro Ibrahim, Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi, Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara, and Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa all spoke in favour of the suspension, insisting that the action would avert escalation of the crisis and serve as a deterrent to other councils.
Revenue Harmonization Bill Scales First Reading
In another development, a Bill for a Law to Repeal and Re-enact the Nasarawa State Harmonization and Administration of All Revenues has passed its first reading at the Assembly.
Speaker Jatau made the announcement after the Majority Leader, Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara, moved a motion for the first reading, which was seconded by Minority Leader Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba.
The bill, aimed at strengthening revenue administration across the state, was unanimously approved for first reading, with the second reading scheduled for December 16, 2025.
