In a rare and symbolic move aimed at restoring calm and unity, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (Rtd), on Monday paid an unscheduled visit to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, appealing for forgiveness and the lifting of the suspension placed on the Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Haliru Arabo.
The visit, which took many by surprise, underscored the growing concern over the political crisis in Lafia LGA that culminated in the Assembly suspending the council chairman for three months. The Emir, who was accompanied by members of his traditional council, was warmly received by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, in his office.
Speaking during the visit, the first-class monarch and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Traditional Council of Chiefs acknowledged that the suspended chairman had erred but stressed the need for correction, forgiveness, and reconciliation in the interest of peace and development.
“The chairman has committed an offence, and like every child who errs, he must be punished, corrected, and then pardoned,” the Emir said.
He explained that the Lafia Emirate Council had already summoned both the chairman and members of the local government legislature, cautioned them, and offered guidance to prevent a recurrence of the crisis. According to him, the palace’s intervention informed his decision to personally visit the Assembly to apologize on behalf of the chairman.
Beyond the appeal, the Emir commended the Speaker and lawmakers for what he described as their commitment to peace, unity, and good governance in the state. He praised the cordial working relationship between the legislature and the executive, noting that such cooperation was key to Nasarawa State’s steady growth and development.
“We are with you, and we will continue to be with you. You are doing a good job for peace, unity, and progress of the state,” the Emir told the Speaker. “I am here as a father to apologize on behalf of our child. Please forgive him. I give you my assurance that this will not happen again.”
The monarch further revealed that he had already directed the suspended chairman to withdraw the case he instituted in court against the Assembly, adding that the process of withdrawal had commenced. He disclosed that he had earlier discussed the same issue with the state governor before proceeding to the House of Assembly.
In his response, Speaker Danladi Jatau expressed appreciation for the Emir’s visit, describing it as a mark of respect and responsible leadership. He praised the monarch’s role in promoting peace and unity across the state and assured him that the Assembly would give due consideration to his appeal.
The Speaker, however, emphasized that due process must be followed, noting that withdrawing the matter from court was a necessary first step to allow legislative intervention.
“Your Highness, you are a father to us all, and we will continue to accord you the honour and respect you deserve,” Jatau said. “The chairman was in my house this morning, and I told him clearly that the matter must first be taken out of court.”
He assured the Emir that he would brief other lawmakers on the visit and its purpose, adding that the House would act accordingly through established procedures.
The Emir’s intervention has raised hopes of a political resolution to the Lafia LGA crisis, with many observers viewing the move as a demonstration of the enduring influence of traditional institutions in fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and stability in Nasarawa State.