The Nasarawa State Assembly for the first time since its creation is witnessing the inauguration of two Speakers under the same political party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Sequel to the drama that took place in the state, three contestants joined the race for Speakership – Balarabe Abdullahi (the immediate past Speaker who had just concluded two terms of eight years, Daniel Oga Ogazi and Jato.
The contest became heated when the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took their cue behind Ogazi with the support of few APC elected members. While 13 elected members threw their support, 11 gave their support to the former Speaker, Balarabe.
Balarabe has the support of the governor, Abdullahi Sule, while former governor, Senator Tanko Almakura, threw his support around Ogazi, who is his political godson.
When it became obvious that governor Sule was bent at ensuring Balarabe become the Speaker, against the majority, few hours to inauguration of the 7th Assembly, an announcement of postponement was broadcast on the state radio station.
The Ogazi majority faction moved to occupy the Assembly complex where the inauguration would take place but were denied entrance by security operatives.
Ogazi told journalists that while he and his supporters were waiting for their inauguration to take place, the governor ordered that they should arrested.
“The clerk of the house formally informed members that inauguration of the 7th Assembly was scheduled for June 6. We were not communicated of any postponement.
“We heard it as a rumour that it was announced that the inauguration was postponed because of security challenge, which security challenge that we are not aware about? We are here intact, all the 13 members.
At about 2:00p.m., the 13 members forced their way into the Assembly plenary and swore in Ogazi representing Komona East as the 7th Speaker and Oyenki Mohammed, representing Doma East under PDP as Deputy Speaker.
The faction of Balarabe had their inauguration at the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affair with Balarabe Abdullahi sworn in as Speaker.
In his inaugural speech, Ogazi thanked his colleagues and supporters for keeping up with them through thick and thin, assuring that he will ensure competent and people-friendly laws that would improve the wellbeing of citizens.
© Guardian