In a surprising turn of events, the seventh Nasarawa State House of Assembly witnessed the emergence of two different ‘Speakers’ on Tuesday.
The immediate past Speaker, Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, who is vying for a third term, and Hon. Daniel Ogazi, a member representing Kokona East constituency, both laid claim to the position.
The election of Balarabe-Abdullahi purportedly took place at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Ogazi purportedly emerged as Speaker from the proceedings at the State Assembly complex.
This has created a unique situation where both individuals assert themselves as the rightful Speaker of the 7th Assembly, unless external intervention resolves the matter.
Initially, the acting Clerk of the House, Ibrahim Musa, had issued a press statement announcing the indefinite postponement of the inauguration of the 24 members-elect and the election of a new Speaker. However, the situation escalated as security operatives barricaded the entrance to the assembly, denying access to all, including 13 out of the 24 members-elect.
It is believed that the 13 members-elect are supporters of Hon. Daniel Ogazi, who, despite being a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has aligned with opposition political parties. On the other hand, 11 members remained loyal to Balarabe-Abdullahi, also a member of the APC in the state.
The conflicting claims and the blockade of the assembly premises have intensified the uncertainty surrounding the speakership position in Nasarawa State. It remains to be seen how this impasse will be resolved and who will ultimately assume the role of Speaker in the 7th Assembly.
