Embattled Kogi Speaker resigns

THE protracted leadership crisis rocking Kogi State House of Assembly, which started in November 2015, was yesterday resolved with the resignation of the embattled Speaker, Alhaji Momoh-Jimoh Lawal of the G-15 group, paving way for election of Umar Imam as Speaker. Momoh Lawal Jimoh Surprisingly, Umar was the same G-5 Speaker. Though Lawal was absent at plenary, his resignation letter, read on the floor of the House presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Aliyu Akuh, said though his resignation was painful, it was in the interest of the state. The Majority Leader of the House, Matthew Kolawole (Kabba/Bunu, PDP) moved for the adoption of the letter and was seconded by the Minority Leader, Bello Abdullahi (APC-Ajaokuta). With the adoption of the resignation letter through voice affirmation by members, Akuh, called for nomination of names for his replacement. Same Majority Leader, nominated Umar Imam as Speaker and Abdulkareem Kekere as Chief Whip. The members, following overwhelming voice votes, adopted Umar Imam (APC-Lokoja 1) as Speaker and he was immediately inaugurated after administration of the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance by Clerk of the House, Mr. Seidu Tseja. By the current arrangement, other principal officers sacked by the G-5 by the purported February impeachment retained their positions. The letter Lawal’s resignation letter read in part: “I would have preferred to continue with the struggle for the entrenchment of democratic values, but the interest of Kogi State must always come before any personal consideration. “Today, my resignation as Speaker of this House was a difficult decision, but I do believe it is the right thing to do. To the Judiciary, I doff my hat for believing in the tenets of democratic values and to my constituents, I share your frustration. “To my good friends in the media profession, I sincerely thank you for your support and understanding.”