Nasarawa state House of Assembly speaker, Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, is rewriting history in the current political dispensation due to purposeful leadership. MOHAMMED YANGIDA reports.
Even though the basic functions of a legislative house are enactment of laws for peace and development as well as effective oversights, many believe that the Nasarawa State House of Assembly is fairing well in all aspects under the leadership the current speaker.
The general impression is that Hon Abdullahi who represents the good people of Umaisha/Ugya constituency is doing well, the reason for which he was re-elected for the second term.
Analysts are of the opinion that there are many factors that stands him out. Although previous speakers contributed towards the peace and unity of the state, investigation shows that none has rivalled him.
A peaceful House
For example today, the state is witnessing peace while the walls of political difference tribalism, ethno-religious difference have been successfully collapsed in the House.
Political observers have also said his ability to stand firm, lobby issues regarding the masses is another quality that stands him out as a credible leader.
Democracy dividends
In the last few years of his leadership, the speaker ensured that his constituents are connected to the national grid in order the turn around their fortunes.
Only recently he installed 150 solar street lights worth N 8.4 million in Umaisha ward as the first phase.
According to him, “The project would be in phases cutting across all the six electoral wards of Umaisha, Katapha, Shege, Keyenhu, Dausu and Ugya, respectively.
“You are aware of what I have done in the areas of education, health, agriculture, youths and women empowerment as well as transportation among others toward touching your lives positively.
“I therefore urge you to continue to live in peace, be law abiding, tolerate one another and be your brothers keepers in the interest of peace and development of our dear Nasarawa state.”
He has also been commended for his prompt intervention towards rural electrification of Toto local government and environs which has been witnessing epileptic power supply due to lack of transformer. Therefore, he secured two 33KVA transformers to boost power supply and enhance socio-economic activities.
“The governor in his magnanimity has graciously approved the installation of the transformers for me in any part of my local government, that I deemed it necessary.
“You know Toto local government is one of the largest local government in the state with two constituencies, Umaisha/Ugya which is own constituency and Toto/Gadabuke my second constituency and I deemed it necessary to start from the second constituency because my own immediate constituency has benefited a lot in my interventions.
“Let the people of Toto Gadabuke also feel my impact on this aspect because Toto local government is my local government. As the project gradually expands, other areas would soon get their turn”.
Vote of confidence
Only recently, the assembly members passed a vote of confidence on the speaker over his leadership qualities.
Majority leader of the House, Hon Tanko Tunga gave the vote of confidence. According to him, “This House is one of the most peaceful assemblies in the country and has recorded the passage of many resolutions and bills that have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state.
“The speaker is providing an inclusive, purposeful and qualitative leadership, hence the need of our collective resolve to pass a vote of confidence on his leadership qualities.”
Tunga added that the peace being enjoyed in the House is as a result of the speaker’s purposeful leadership and all the lawmakers have unanimously declared their full support for him.
The majority leader assured the speaker of members’ continued readiness to give him all the necessary support to succeed and enjoined him to sustain the spirit of his comradeship.
On his part, the minority leader of the House who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Danladi Jatau said all the 23 members have unanimously endorsed the vote of confidence on Speaker Abdullahi.
“To this end, we must always look for leaders who have against all odds shown good leadership and moved their people forward. An example of such a leader is the speaker Nasarawa House of Assembly, Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi.”
