By DANJUMA JOSEPH, Lafia-
The leadership tussle rocking the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has been put to rest today following fresh inauguration and the subsequent election of Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi ( APC- Umaisha/ Ugya) as the Speaker of the 7th Assembly.
Similarly, the assembly also elected Hon Abel Yakubu Bala ( PDP- Nassarawa Eggon West) as the Deputy Speaker of the 7th Assembly.
Hon Ibrahim Musa, the Acting Clerk of the House announced this during the inauguration of the members of the 7th Assembly today in Lafia.
It will be recalled that the house was thrown into turmoil for over a month following the emergence of two factional speakers, Balarabe and Ogazi, but the Governor, recognised Balarabe Abdullahi, as Speaker.
Earlier before the house convened the seating, Hon Daniel Ogazi, had addressed the press at NUJ house in Lafia, to announce his withdrawal from the speakership race.
“It was a known fact that I contested the Speakership position in the State Assembly, with the support of members and I won by a simple majority votes. However, I wish to appeal to the good conscience of all patriotic citizens of Nasarawa State, especially our most esteemed supporters to see reasons with us on why Nasarawa State must make progress regardless of my ambition or any personal interest” Ogazi said.
Meanwhile, when the house convened at the assembly complex, the Clerk of the House said that the inauguration was in line with Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s proclamation as well in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon Mohammed Adamu Oyanki ( PDP- Doma North) nominated Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, for the position of the Speaker which was seconded by Hon Larry Ven Bawa ( APC- Akwanga North).
Hon Ibrahim Peter Akwe ( PDP- Obi 1) nominated Hon Abel Yakubu Bala for the position of Deputy Speaker which was seconded by Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara ( APC- Awe South).
The Clerk thereafter, inaugurated the Speaker and Deputy Speaker while the Speaker of the House inaugurated remaining 22 members.
In his acceptance speech, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the Speaker of the 7th Assembly pledged to provide all inclusive leadership in the interest of peace and development.
“I want to congratulate Hon members on your inauguration and for electing me to serve as Speaker of the seventh assembly
” I have presided over the affairs of this Assembly in the last eight years with all sense of fairness and fear of God. I want to assure you that I will continue in that spirit”
“I will also continue to operate an open door policy as I have done in the last eight years,” he said.
Balarabe assured the staff of the assembly of his continued readiness to improve on their welfare.
The Speaker assured Gov. Abdullahi Sule of the House continued partnership and collaboration for the overall development of the state.
“We must join hands with other arms of government to achieve speedy development across the state,” he said.
The Speaker further appreciated Gov. Sule for renovating the House for effective service delivery.
All the 24 members were in attendance at the inaugural sitting of the 7th Nasarawa State House of Assembly held today Friday 21st July, 2023.
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