By Rayyanu Bala

In Nasarawa today, the political tension has reached a feverish pitch. The reaction following the suspension of the chairman of Lafia Local Government by the State Assembly has taken a different dimension, with some alleging that the chairman was suspended simply because he belongs to the former IGP’s camp. However, I do not want to believe this insinuation.

The suspension of local government chairmen did not start today. It has happened before: in Nasarawa, the former chairman was suspended at different times, and the vice chairman of Karu faced a similar situation. Therefore, the suspension of the Lafia chairman should not be viewed in isolation. I believe his suspension has nothing to do with the governorship ambitions of the former IGP.

Also Let’s be honest: the attempt to paint the suspension of Hon. Alhaji Halliru Muhammad Arabo as some kind of constitutional disaster is not only exaggerated, it’s misleading. It’s the same old tactic used to shield public officials from been accountable by hiding behind buzzwords like “separation of powers.” Whether it’s out of political loyalty or a misunderstanding of how government actually works, this argument just doesn’t hold water.

First, let’s clear up a popular misconception. People love to describe Local Governments as if they are completely independent. They’re not. The Constitution clearly places Local Governments under the supervision of State Governments. And with that supervision comes oversight. But what is oversight worth if the State Assembly can’t act when something goes wrong? Oversight without the power to enforce it is basically useless.

So for those shouting “unconstitutional suspension,” here’s the real question: How is the State Assembly supposed to do its job if it can’t step in when there are allegations of misconduct, disorder, or a breach of trust? Are lawmakers supposed to sit back and watch things fall apart because someone thinks “procedure” is more important than preventing chaos?

The claim that the Assembly “has no power” to suspend an elected LG Chairman is a misinterpretation of the law. Yes, the courts have said you can’t remove elected officials arbitrarily or without due process. But suspension is not removal. It’s a temporary measure that allows for a proper investigation. Calling it unconstitutional is simply stretching the truth.

And then there’s the argument that the Assembly is “taking over executive powers.” Honestly, that’s a reach. Oversight naturally includes the ability to step in when something seems off otherwise, what’s the point of oversight at all? If lawmakers find signs of serious anomaly are they supposed to clap politely and wait for  unpleasant situation to happen?That doesn’t make any sense.

What’s really happening in Lafia is simple: a normal administrative action is being blown out of proportion. This kind of exaggeration reveals a deeper issue. It wants to create a deeper misunderstanding. The suspension is far away from “witch-hunt.” as some will wants us to believe.

If Alhaji Haliru Muhammad Arabo believes he has done nothing wrong, the courts are open. He should approach the court for interpretation of what the Assembly has done. But instigating a protest is not the best option. Lets the court decide the constitutionality or unconstitutionality of the action of the state Assembly. To do anything outside this amounts to taking the law into a hand which in its self not right and proper.