Nasarawa Assembly: Ogazi Resigns as Speaker, Balarabe Re-Elected

The Acting Clerk, Ibrahim Musa, announced this during the members’ inauguration in the state capital.

The 7th Nasarawa State House of Assembly’s leadership squabble is officially ended, with Daniel Ogazi stepping down as speaker and legislators electing Ibrahim Balarabe to take the role.

Following a series of discussions between the Ogazi and Balarabe groups that indicated a common ground, all 24 members arrived at the Assembly Complex in Lafia for plenary on Friday.

Balarabe is the Umaisha/Ugya representative. Abel Yakubu Bala of Nasarawa Eggon West was also voted as deputy speaker by the parliament.

The Acting Clerk, Ibrahim Musa, announced this during the members’ inauguration in the state capital.

The Clerk stated that the development was in accordance with Governor Abdullahi Sule’s declaration and the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution.

Mohammed Oyanki of Doma North proposed Balarabe, who was seconded by Larry Ven Bawa of Akwanga North.

Suleiman Yakubu Azara of Awe South seconded Ibrahim Peter Akwe of Obi 1’s nomination of Abel Yakubu Bala for the position of deputy speaker.

The Clerk then swore in the two, while Balarabe swore in other members.

Balarabe stated in his acceptance speech to give all-inclusive leadership in the sake of Nasarawa State’s peace and prosperity.

“I want to congratulate the honourable members on your inauguration and for electing me to serve as speaker of the seventh assembly,” he remarked.

“In the last eight years, I have presided over the affairs of this assembly with all fairness and fear of God.” I want to promise you that I will keep that spirit going.

“I will also maintain an open door policy, as I have for the past eight years,” he stated.

Balarabe also told the assembly’s personnel that he would continue to work to improve their well-being. The plenary session was therefore postponed until Monday, July 25.

Governor Sule met with parliamentarians in the Government House following the session. He advised them to put the previous scuffle behind them and work together for the state’s success.

“Please, I beg you to live with each other in fairness and trust, to respect one another among yourselves, and to put all of this behind you,” the governor urged.

The development on Friday brings an end to a weeks-long conflict in the Nasarawa Assembly, which began when Ogazi and Balarabe claimed leadership of the house.

While parliamentarians from both factions claimed legitimacy, there was a considerable security presence as the Balarabe group held plenary and inaugurated Hajara Danyar, the lone female lawmaker.

In the aftermath of the issue, Governor Sule pledged to settle the matter and stated that the two are friends.