Assembly crisis: I resigned to avoid crises ―Speaker

The speaker of the Kogi State house of assembly, Rt Hon Ahmed Imam, on Thursday said he resigned his position to avoid plunging the assembly into another round of protracted crises.

The house has however elected the member representing Kabba/Bunu State constituency, Matthew Kolawole as the new speaker.

The former speaker also said the invasion of the assembly complex by suspected thugs on Tuesday was a criminal act and an assassination attempt on members.

Imam in his resignation letter addressed to the clerk of the house and dated August 3, 2017, a copy of which was made available to Tribune Online, said the event of Tuesday desecrated the sanctity of the hallow chamber of the house.

The letter read in part, “Today, being the 3rd day of August 2017, exactly a year, a week, and a day when you resolved to elect me as the Speaker, I am resigning from the Office to avert plunging the State into yet another round of crises.

“Within the same period, I have revamped the integrity of this noble institution and redirect it on the path of honour, and in line with the democratic principle of separation of powers. Within the same period, some physical changes occurred. I, therefore, enjoin the next leadership to consolidate on these humble achievements and sustain the tempo.

“What transpired last Tuesday during Plenary Sitting, thugs desecrating the sanctity of this hallowed chamber, was undemocratic, condemnable act of hooliganism and a criminal act, an attempted murder. This House should never have to experience a repeat of such barbaric acts. I still hope that the perpetrators will be brought to book.”

Following the reading of the letter on the floor of the house by the deputy speaker, Rt Hon Hassan Abdullahi, who presided over the sitting, Kolawole, who was the majority leader, was unanimously elected as the new speaker.

Also, the former chief whip, who is representing Ajaokuta state constituency, Hon Abdullahi Bello, was elected as the new majority leader, while Victor Omofaye, from Ijumu state constituency became the new chief whip.

Speaking Kolawole pledged to continue to lead the house with transparency and honesty, calling on members to support the new administration.

He said, “I cannot do it alone, it had to be a collective responsibility, on my part I will do my best to the best of my ability.”

Contributing, the member representing Yagba west state constituency, Hon Toyin Lawal, lauded Imam for toeing the path of honour by resigning, saying he would be remembered for his vision and love for the state.

He noted that the former speaker handled his exit in a peaceful manner, adding that history would judge Imam very well.

Lawal said, “The house should now focus on the reasons why we were elected, we should come up with quality bills, robust debates and our goal should be passing good laws for the state”.

In contributions, the member representing Yagba East state constituency, Musa Omiata, said the state was tired of being in the news for the negative reasons.

He therefore advised the new speaker to lead the house with the fear of God and operate a transparent policy that would endear him to his colleagues.