Nasarawa Assembly Lifts Suspension On Lafia LG Chairman, Arabo With Immediate Effect
…warns against victimization of Lafia Deputy Chairman, Arikiya, cautions LG Chairmen against abuse of office…
…As Lawmakers proceed on recess, to resume February 9, 2026
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has lifted the suspension imposed on the Executive Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area, Hon. Mohammed Haliru Arabo, over his alleged involvement in the impeachment of the council’s Speaker.
Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, Ph.D., Speaker of the House, announced the decision during Tuesday’s plenary session in Lafia, bringing an end to the suspension that was imposed on December 10, 2025.
Dr. Jatau explained that the lifting of the three-month suspension followed the withdrawal of the case from the High Court by Hon. Arabo and appeals from prominent stakeholders, including the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd), and other critical figures in the state.
The Speaker issued a stern warning against any victimization of the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uba Arikiya, who served as Acting Chairman of Lafia Local Government during the suspension period.
“The Deputy Chairman of Lafia LG should not be victimized as what we need in the State is peace, and he acted on our instruction,” Dr. Jatau emphasized.
He directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the resolution to Governor Abdullahi Sule for necessary action and cautioned the public against undermining the constitutional powers of the legislature.
“Nobody, no matter how placed he or she is, should undermine the power of the House. We have the power to invite anybody for questioning,” the Speaker stated.
Dr. Jatau, who is the state’s number three citizen, also warned Local Government Chairmen across Nasarawa State against abuse of office.
Earlier in the proceedings, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, moved the motion for lifting the suspension.
“I hereby move a motion that the suspension of Hon. Arabo be lifted and he should resume work in the interest of understanding, unity and discipline,” Hon. Ibrahim said, expressing appreciation to all stakeholders who intervened on behalf of the suspended chairman.
Hon. Barr. Esson Mairiga, member representing Lafia North Constituency, seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted by the House.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki and Hon. Barr. Esson Mairiga thanked the Speaker and all members for the decision, noting that “to err is human and to forgive is divine.” They assured their colleagues of continued good working relationships moving forward.
House Proceeds on Recess
In a related development, the House approved a motion to proceed on recess, with activities set to resume on February 9, 2026.
The Majority Leader of the House moved the motion, which was seconded by Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader. The House unanimously agreed to the recess schedule.
The original suspension of Hon. Arabo on December 10, 2025, was for three months following allegations of his involvement in the controversial impeachment of the Lafia Local Government Council’s Speaker.
