…As Ex-Environment Commissioner, Kwanta, Apologizes for Disrespecting Lawmakers
By Abel Zwànke, Lafia
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has officially confirmed the 16 commissioner nominees sent by Governor Abdullahi Sule for approval as members of the State Executive Council.
Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the House, made the announcement on Tuesday, following a screening process of the nominees held on February 17 and 18 during plenary at the Assembly complex in Lafia.
While congratulating the nominees, Speaker Jatau urged them to develop policies that would contribute to the state’s growth and ensure accountability within their respective ministries.
“We hereby confirm the nomination of the following individuals:
- Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga from Awe LGA
- Dr. John D.W. Mamman from Kokona LGA
- Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi from Doma LGA
- Mr. Gabriel Agbashi from Doma LGA
- Barr. Isaac Danladi Amadu from Karu LGA
- Princess Margaret Itaki Elayo from Keana LGA
- Dr. Ibrahim Tanko from Keffi LGA
- Hon. Mohammed Aga Muluku from Nassarawa Eggon LGA
- Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata from Lafia LGA
- CP Usman Baba (Rtd) from Lafia LGA
- Hon. Mohammed Sani Ottos from Nasarawa LGA
- Barr. David Moyi from Obi LGA
- Dr. Gaza Gwamna from Toto LGA
- Barr. Jugbo Hauwa Samuel from Wamba LGA
- Hon. Mu’azu Adamu Gosho from Wamba LGA
- Hon. Yakubu Kwanta from Akwanga LGA.
He added that the nominees are expected to align with Governor Sule’s policy agenda to foster the overall development of the state.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara (APC, Awe North), moved the motion for the confirmation, which was seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba (PDP, Obi 2). After receiving commendations from lawmakers representing their constituencies, the House unanimously confirmed the nominees.
In a related development, the Speaker read an apology letter from the former Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Yakubu Kwanta, who admitted to his failure to defend the 2024 budget performance of his ministry before the Assembly. Kwanta expressed regret for his actions and pledged not to repeat such an oversight.
“To err is human; to forgive is divine,” Kwanta wrote in the letter, appealing to the lawmakers for forgiveness.
In response, Speaker Jatau warned that the Assembly would not tolerate any form of disrespect from government officials.
“We will never take it lightly with any government official who undermines the authority of the House,” he stated. He further emphasized that the Nasarawa State House of Assembly would not tolerate disrespect from anyone.
Additionally, a bill seeking to establish the Nasarawa State Character Commission has passed its first reading. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Hudu A. Hudu, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation and representative of Awe North Constituency, is aimed at promoting equity and inclusivity in governance. The Speaker has scheduled February 26, 2025, for the bill’s second reading.
