By Pam Datiri

The word "parliament" is derived from the Latin term parliamentum, which originally applied to conversations between monks and later to diplomatic conferences. The French verb parler means to speak, and freedom of expression is the basic means by which parliament holds government accountable.

The Legislative Assembly performs three important roles in its job of overseeing government: a legislative role, a financial role and an inquiry role.

From the above, it is obvious that the Legislators performs other oversight functions aside the day to day business of making laws that protects the land and her citizens.

It is then worrisome to note that some resentful elements who are paid media bulldogs will drag the good name of the speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and other distinguished members who acted in line with the provisions of the laws of the land to avert circumstances that may degenerate into crisis in Quanpan and Kanam respectively.

It will be recalled that the Plateau state Assembly headed by the Distinguished Speaker Rt. Hon. Ayuba Abok had on Tuesday Suspended the Chairmen of Quanpan and Kanam over their high handedness, flagrant disobedience of the rule of law and intentionally carrying out activities that are signs of impending danger in the respective Local Government Councils. The two council Chairmen were suspended for disregarding the order of the State Legislature.

 It is however pathetic that paid social media activist will ride on false claims to discredit this noble act that is aimed at bringing peace to the affected Local Government councils.
While it is not necessary to reply their uninformed social media clouting, it is necessary to once again draw their attention to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria which empowers the Assembly to carry its function:
ection 7, sub section 1 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides for the powers of state house of assembly to suspend chairman or dissolve the local government council in every state of the federation.
“Section 101 of the same Constitution also provides for the powers of the state legislature to regulate its own procedure which is known as house standing rules.
“The provision of section 7(10), provides for the powers of the state under the law to ensure the existence, establishment, structure, composition, finance and function of the Local Government thus quoted
“Subject to the provisions of Chapter V111 of this Constitution, the House of Assembly of a State shall enact a Law providing for the structure, composition, revenue, expenditure and other financial matters, staff, meeting and other relevant matters for the Local Governments in the State”, of which the case under review is a relevant matter.

With this, it is thus appalling that ignorant social media titans will choose to display their level of oblivion because of peanuts.

It is also important to recall that states like Lagos, Zamfara and recently Osun had suspended Local Government Chairmen in line with the provisions of the law.
The decision of the Plateau State Assembly should be lauded as it is an informed decision to avert crisis and to bring peace rather than political as speculated by mischief makers

Indeed lawmaking in our beloved Plateau State is now taking a reasonable and bold step, the era of impunity is over and proactive and procedural lawmaking has gradually become the order of the day under the able leadership of Rt. Hon. Ayuba Abok, the speaker and the entire Assembly members deserves commendation for becoming the agents of quality lawmaking on the Plateau

The 9th assembly under the able leadership of Rt. Hon. Abok has prioritize the interest of the people and development of the State above their individual or political parties’ interest through giving needed support to the executive arm.

These mischief makers are indeed products of a hitherto faulty system that did not put the youths first, it is now expedient to call on them to join hands with the working government and a vibrant assembly for the good of Plateau.

Pam Datiri is a Public Affairs Commentator and writes from Jos