By Awayi Kuje
Mr Mohammed Omadefu, the Chairman, Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Information, has advocated for the return of Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi as Speaker of the 7th Assembly.
He said the re-emergence of Abdullahi as speaker would ensure continuous peace, stability and progress of the legislature and the state at large.
Omadefu, who is representing Keana Constituency, made the call on Monday in Lafia, while briefing newsmen on the activities of the present 6th Assembly which is ending this month.
According to him, Abdullahi’s leadership has achieved a lot by bringing peace, stability and progress not only to the House but the state at large hence the need for the call of his continuity.
“In the history of the House, Speaker Balarabe passed the highest number of Bills into law considering the fact that law making is the fundamental of legislative arm.
“First Assembly has passed 33 Bills, 2nd Assembly 20 Bills, 3rd Assembly 31 Bills, 4th Assembly 45 Bills, 5th Assembly 48 Bills and 6th Assembly 61 Bills,” he said.
He said that re-electing Balarabe as Speaker for the 7th Assembly would also bring speedy development to the state.
“I think for stability in the legislative duties and stability in the state, there is the need for continuity of Speaker Balarabe leadership.
“Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi is a man of integrity and pedigree. He has done well and deserves another term.
“Even though, it is not time for speakership campaign, I am advocating for the continuity of House leadership under Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi,” he said.
“He stabilised the Nasarawa State House of Assembly; no rancour, no party differences, peace and unity remains the order of the day.
“Enhance effective relationship between Executive and Legislature as well as the Judiciary, cleared suspicious doubts that existed between Executive and Legislators he inherited as a result of impeachment moved by the 4th Assembly against Gov. Al-Makura,” he said.
Omadefu also said that the speaker encouraged oversight functions akin to what is obtained at the National Assembly.
“Other achievements of the Speaker included that he is the first Speaker in Nasarawa State to get Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) appointment to represent African Region.
“First Speaker in the state to get Presidential award as best Speaker in North Central Nigeria presented to him by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
“He has hold the position of National Vice Chairman, North Central, Nigeria, Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies diligently,” he added.
Omadefu also disclosed that the state assembly under the leadership of Balarabe was ranked second best among the 36 state assemblies in Nigeria in terms of performance.
“He got Late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello’s Merit Award, as one of the best Speakers in Northern Nigeria,” he said.
The information chairman disclosed that the 6th Assembly would hold its valedictory session on May 31, to mark the end of the legislative session.
Omadefu called on the people of the state to have faith in the assembly and the administration of Gov. Abdullahi Sule.
Besides, the lawmaker called on the people of the state to continue to pray and give their maximum support to the three arms of government in the state to succeed. (NAN)