A former member of the House of Representatives, George Daika, has alleged that his convoy was attacked by suspected thugs in Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau State amid tensions surrounding the ongoing State House of Assembly rerun election.
Speaking on Sunday, Daika said the incident occurred as political stakeholders awaited the completion of the results collation process. He described the attack as deliberate and politically motivated.
The former federal lawmaker further alleged that individuals connected to Naanlong Daniel, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, were behind the assault.
According to Daika, armed hoodlums targeted his convoy, an action he linked to the current political atmosphere in the area. He also reflected on his relationship with the Speaker, stating that he had supported and mentored him during the early stages of his political journey.
Daika explained that despite reservations from some associates, he chose to back Daniel because he believed in creating opportunities for younger politicians and helping them develop their leadership potential.
The former lawmaker also accused the Speaker of abandoning an established political arrangement in Mikang, which he said was designed to ensure equitable power sharing among the area’s major ethnic groups, including the K’num, Yom, Tel and Piapung communities.
He maintained that many residents were opposed to any attempt to alter or prolong the existing zoning formula beyond what had previously been agreed upon by political stakeholders.
However, the allegations were swiftly dismissed by the Speaker’s Press Secretary, Eplong Philip, who described the claims as baseless.
Philip said the Speaker held Daika in high regard and regarded him as both a respected elder and statesman. He insisted that Daniel had no reason to sponsor any attack against the former lawmaker.
According to him, the Speaker remains committed to democratic values and has never been associated with acts of political violence.
The exchange of accusations comes as political tension continues to rise in Mikang, where residents and party supporters are awaiting the final outcome of the State Assembly rerun election.