The speakership tussle between the Ogah Ogazi and Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi factions in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly ended yesterday with Ogazi stepping down as factional speaker.

Ogazi, speaking at a press conference in Lafia alongside some members of his 13-man majority faction of the 7th Assembly, announced that he has set aside his speakership ambition with an assurance to henceforth unite and work for the collective good and in the overall interest of Nasarawa State.

He said: “The state has been negatively impacted due to lack of a functional Assembly. The situation has attracted negative attention from within and outside the state.

“I am equally worried that my ambition to be Speaker of the assembly has aroused opposition with negative consequence on governance in the state.

“It is a known fact that I contested the speakership position in the state assembly, with the support of members and won by a simple majority votes.

“However, I wish to appeal to the good conscience of all patriotic citizens of Nasarawa State, especially our most esteemed supporters to see reasons with us on why the state must make progress regardless of my ambition or any personal interest.

“Having entertained several calls, appeals from various quarters comprising critical stakeholders, both past and serving governors, senators, former ministers, emir and chiefs, political party leaders, within and outside the state, cutting across political parties and most importantly, the loud call by our amiable president on the need to put Nasarawa first, bury our hatchets, unite for the progress and development of the state.

“It is on this note, with all humility and deep sense of responsibility, that I hereby set aside my speakership ambition with an assurance to henceforth unite and work for the collective good and in the overall interest of the state.

“It was in this regard that members have mutually agreed that the house be re-inaugurated and fresh elections conducted.”

Consequently, the 24-member House of Assembly elected Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi (APC-Umaisha/ Ugya) as the Speaker.

They also elected Mr. Abel Yakubu Bala (PDP- Nassarawa Eggon West) as the Deputy Speaker.

The acting Clerk of the House, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, who announced this, said that the inauguration was in line with Governor Abdullahi Sule’s proclamation as well in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his acceptance speech, Abdullahi pledged to provide all-inclusive leadership in the interest of peace and development.

“l will also continue to operate an open door policy as I have done in the last eight years,” he said.