Kunini Emerges As New Speaker Of Taraba Assembly

BY AMEH IDUJAGI, JALINGO – The Taraba State House of Assembly on Monday elected Mr Joseph Albasu Kunini and Alh Hamman Adama Abdulahi as the new Speaker and deputy Speaker of the House respectively.

This followed the resignation Hon Abel Peter Diah as Speaker and Mr Charles Maijankai as Deputy Speaker on Sunday.

The House which convened on Monday morning, first elected the impeached former deputy Speaker, Hon Muhammad Gwampo as Speaker pro-tempo to preside over the affairs mainly the conduct of election of new presiding officers of the House.

Accordingly, Hon Joseph Kunini was nominated by Hon Bonzana Kizito representing Zing State constituency and was seconded by Hon Ammed Jedua of Gyembu State constituency.

Kunini’s nomination and election was unanimous with all the 16 of the 24 members present making two-thirds of the number of the House.

After taking oath of office, the new Speaker opened the floor for the nomination of a Deputy Speaker and Hon Bashir Muhammad nominated Hon Abdullahi, who represents Bali two state constituency.

Abdullahi was also elected unanimously as there was no other nomination.

The House also elected Hon Douglas Nda Isaiah as the Majority Leader of the House.

In his acceptance speech, Hon Kunini said he was honoured to have been found worthy in the House and pledged to be just, fair and equitable.

Kunini said; “This is a House of justice and equity. Taraba should be greater that any individual and we must work hard to take the state to greater heights. I will work to champion this.

“Even though there exists the principle of separation of power, this cannot be water tight. As such, we must work as a team and partners in the project of making Taraba a greater place. I will run an open door Parliament where even the minority will have a say.

“Thank you for this trust. I assure you that it will be used as a medium to serve God and humanity. Thank you for this privilege”.

The new Speaker also promised to work hard to make sure that the House is truly united to function to maximum capacity.

Kunini, who represents Lau State constituency is a third term member of the House