The Forum of former members, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, have advised their colleague, Mr Daniel Ogazi, struggling to become speakership to bury his ambition and stop factionalizing the legislature.
Members of the forum gave the advice during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, on Wednesday in Lafia.
The forum supported the emergence of Abdullahi as speaker of the seventh Assembly in the state.
The Chairman of the forum, who is also a two term former speaker of the state assembly, Alhaji Musa Ahmed, said all efforts by the forum to meet Daniel Ogazi Speakership faction proved abortive as he refused to see them for any discussion or advice.
“Our mission is three; one, to congratulate you, pray for you and declare our support for you; secondly, to encourage you and the governor to keep on doing your good works.
“And lastly, to see the two factions on how we can persuade Ogazi to withdraw from the dangerous mission and allow interest of party leadership to prevail, because now and always government interest will supercede,” he said.
The forum urged Ogazi to retrieve his steps now over the speakership position, adding that his efforts will be in futility because the House has an established process that its leadership always emerged.
“In the interest of the state and party supremacy as well as respect for His Excellency, Gov. Abdullahi Sule, we want to advise Hon. Ogazi to retrieve his steps over speakership position as his efforts will be in futility.
“We are strongly behind the House leadership of Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi because of his all inclusive and purposeful leadership,” he said.
The former state legislators also called on Ogazi to respect party supremacy on the issue of the speakership.
Responding, Abdullahi informed his visitors that he wouldn’t have availed himself for the contest if the ruling party, state government and critical stakeholders were not at home with his leadership style and demanded for his service again.
“Ogazi came to me and told me that he is under pressure to contest speakership against me and I wonder where the pressure is coming from,” he said.
He assured that the 7th assembly under his watch, just like the previous ones, would continue to legislate on issues of development to provide a safe ground for the administration of Gov. Abdullahi Sule.
“In order to strive so as to bring government closer to the masses,” he said.
The speaker added that he has led the House for eight years in peace, harmony and fear of God, and if not for calls from critical stakeholders, party and those that matters for him to serve again what else did he want.
“We are friends and colleagues up to this moment and so shall it remain I assure you.
“I am a loyal party man and advocate of peace and good governance; therefore my support for government and leaders as well as respect for my colleagues remain intact,” Abdullahi emphasized.
