Bill to Strengthen Powers, Privileges of Plateau Assembly Passes Second Reading.

A Bill seeking to strengthen the powers, privileges and operational independence of the Plateau State House of Assembly has been presented during plenary of the 10th Assembly in Jos.

The proposed legislation, titled, “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Plateau State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Law and for Other Related Matters, 2025,” was sponsored by Prof. Theodore Maiyaki (SAN).

The Bill aims to clearly define the powers, privileges and immunities required for the Assembly to effectively carry out its constitutional duties of lawmaking, oversight and representation.

If passed into law, the legislation will grant legal protection to members of the House for words spoken or actions taken during plenary or committee proceedings. It will also empower the Assembly and its committees to summon individuals to provide evidences, submit documents or render accounts relevant to legislative investigations.

The Bill further provides enforcement mechanisms, including the issuance of warrants of arrest for individuals who fail to honour legislative summons.

Other key provisions criminalize acts that undermine the integrity of the legislature such as obstruction of members, bribery, contempt, false evidence, disturbance of proceedings and unauthorized publication of legislative activities. It also empowers the Speaker to maintain order within the chamber, including the authority to eject strangers and discipline erring members.

The proposed law also outlines procedures for examining witnesses under oath, protecting privileged communications, regulating the admissibility of legislative proceedings in court, and safeguarding official publications authorized by the House.

According to the sponsor, the legislation is designed to strengthen the institutional independence of the Plateau State House of Assembly, protect lawmakers in the discharge of their duties and ensure effective legislative oversight.

The Bill, which contains ten substantive sections and accompanying schedules, is expected to enhance legislative authority, promote orderly proceedings and reinforce democratic governance in Plateau State if enacted.

Also during the plenary, there was a motion under matter of urgent public importance moved by member representing Riyom in the state Assembly, Hon. Dachung Dadon for the House to strongly condemn the recent killing of 31 indigenes of Ganawuri District in Woro Local Government Area of Kwara State and extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Ganawuri District and Riyom Local Government Area.