By Suleiman Abubakar
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has screened seven commissioner nominees while suspending the screening of Hon. Yakubu Kwanta, the immediate past Commissioner for Environment, over allegations of insubordination.
The decision was made during the House’s screening session in Lafia after Hon. Muhammed Adamu Omadefu, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, raised concerns regarding Kwanta’s previous refusal to appear before the committee to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget performance.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau ruled that Kwanta would only be reconsidered if he submits a formal apology for his failure to appear before the House when summoned. Lawmakers, including Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi, Hon. Ajegana Jacob Kudu, and Hon. Hudu A. Hudu, supported the decision, emphasizing the need to uphold the integrity of the Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Assembly successfully screened the following seven nominees:
- Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga (Awe LGA)
- Dr. John D.W. Mamman (Kokona LGA)
- Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi (Doma LGA)
- Mr. Gabriel Agbashi (Doma LGA)
- Barr. Isaac Danladi (Karu LGA)
- Princess Margaret Itaki Elayo (Keana LGA)
- Dr. Ibrahim Tanko (Keffi LGA)
The screening process was conducted after the motion was moved by Majority Leader Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara and seconded by Minority Leader Hon. Luka Zhekaba.
Additionally, the Assembly passed the first reading of a bill for the establishment of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Legislative Budget Office, sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala.
The Speaker scheduled the bill’s second reading for February 24, 2025.
