Kogi Assembly: Kolawole Matthew takes over the mantle of leadership

Within the space of 19 months the  Confluence state  house of assembly has witnessed three speakers , this following the fracas that happened on Tuesday during the house plenary, when more than 100 hoodlums entered the hallow chambers and attacked the honourable members who took to their heels and fled for their lives.

It will be recalled that there is an on-going court case between Friday Sani , who was suspended for six months and the house, thus the former’s appearance on Tuesday signalled doom and it was not long before all hell broke loose. The hoodlums attacked every member of the chamber as well as Sani who was beaten to a pulp and currently hospitalised.

Presenting his resignation letter, Umar  Ahmed Imam stated that within one year of his stewardship  he united the house, provided a conducive atmosphere for  legislative activities and won the hearts of distinguished colleagues, adding that he equally revamped the integrity of the institution and redirected it on the part of honour and in line with the democratic principle of separation of power.

He termed what transpired last Tuesday during plenary sitting, when thugs invaded the hallowed chamber and attacked members as undemocratic, emphasising that the house should never experience a repeat of such barbaric acts, and  that the perpetrators should be brought to book.

Imam commended his colleagues for the support given to him while in office. He also thanked them for their unwavering support, solidarity and  willingness to stand by him always, while urging them to be peaceful and orderly.

He recalled that on Thursday , last week the honourable members showered him encomium that his leadership would always enjoin peace , not only within the Legislature but in every part of the state.

It could also be recalled that G5 brought Imam to power when Jimoh Lawal was the Speaker and now, Kolawole Mathew has taken over the mantle of leadership of the house.

Speaking shortly after taking his oat of office , Kolawole  the new Speaker promised to move the house forward and to run an open door policy, while he solicited the cooperation of other members.

 

Victoria Nnakiaike, Lokoja