The Nasarawa State House of Assembly, on Monday suspended the screening of 16 commissioner-nominees submitted to it for confirmation by Gov. Tanko Al-Makura, over alleged security concerns.
The decision followed a motion by Mr Daniel Ogazi (APC-Kokona East), who drew the attention of the house to an alleged attack on him and threat to other members, while on official assignment.
He said that the attack was an indication that the security of all the lawmakers was at risk.
The lawmaker, therefore, urged the assembly to suspend its activities until they receive concrete assurance from the state government on their safety.
Ogazi, who is the Chairman, Assembly Committee on Education, said that adequate security must be provided to the legislators in view of the threat to their lives.
“My colleagues, if we will recall, this House had set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged admission scandal at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, on why the 2015/2016 admission list of the university did not favour indigenes of the state.
“During our deliberation on Oct. 12, the House recommended for the immediate indefinite suspension of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Akaro-Mainoma over alleged irregularities in the 2015/2016 admission, to pave way for thorough investigation.
“Since then, when we commenced our investigation, I was attacked by armed men and my car was snatched along Keffi-Garaku road.
“Even threat messages have been sent to the phones of the members of this committee, it means our security can no longer been guaranteed.
“My colleagues, I want to call on you to support my motion to suspend this screening until adequate security have been provided not only to the members of this committee but to all members of the assembly within 24 hours,’’ he said.
He also expressed dismay over the inability of the university to provide the necessary materials required by the committee for its investigation, and accused the vice chancellor of interference.
Mr Mohammed Muluku (PDP-Nassarawa Eggon East), who seconded the motion, expressed concern over the situation and urged the assembly to accept the prayers contained in the motion.
The assembly unanimously agreed to suspend further screening of the commissioner-nominees pending guarantee on their safety.
The Speaker, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe, urged the state government to provide adequate security to all the lawmakers, to enable them discharge their responsibilities without hindrance and for the overall peace of the state