From Esther Akaa, Lafia
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has commenced the screening of commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Abdullahi Sule, with seven nominees successfully screened on the first day.
However, the screening of Hon Yakubu Kwanta, the immediate past Commissioner for Environment, was suspended due to his failure to appear before the House committee on Environment to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget performance during his tenure.
According to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Danladi Jatau, Kwanta’s actions constituted a total act of insubordination to the institution that screened and confirmed him as a Commissioner for two consecutive times.
The Speaker stated that the House would only consider Kwanta’s screening if he sends a strong apology letter for his
actions.
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” Hon Yakubu Kwanta should send strong apology latter to the House over his action when he served as commissioner before we will think of considering him or not for the screening” he said.
Hon Mohammed Omadefu, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, cited various constitutional provisions that banned a nominee from appearing in the hallowed Chamber for screening without proper clearance.
Omadefu emphasised that Kwanta’s failure to appear before the committee to defend his ministry’s budget was a clear disrespect to the House.
Other lawmakers, including Hon Mohammed Isimbabi, Hon Ajegana Kudu, and Hon Hudu Hudu, supported Omadefu’s submission, calling for Kwanta to tender a strong apology to save the integrity of the House.
Meanwhile, the seven screened nominees were; Hon. Umar Tunga from Awe LGA, Dr John Mamman from Kokona LGA, Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi from Doma LGA and Mr Gabriel Agbashi from Doma LGA.
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Others included; Barr Isaac Danladi from Karu LGA, Princess Margret Elayo from Keana LGA and Dr Ibrahim Tanko from Keffi LGA.
The Speaker congratulated the nominees and urged them to discharge their duties with integrity, if finally confirmed and sworn in as members of the State Executive Council.
In a related development, a bill for the establishment of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Legislative Budget Office passed its first reading on the floor of the House.
The bill, sponsored by Rt. Hon Abel Bala, is slated for second reading on February 24, 2025.