Drama unfolded at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on Tuesday as two Speakers emerged, leading to a state of confusion. The first Speaker was Mr. Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, the former Speaker who sought re-election for a third term. The second Speaker was Mr. Daniel Ogazi, the representative of Kokona East constituency. Balarabe-Abdullahi was elected at a gathering held at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Ogazi emerged as Speaker from the proceedings at the State Assembly complex. This situation has sparked a dispute within the Assembly, with both Balarabe-Abdullahi and Ogazi claiming to be the legitimate Speaker. Prior to the elections, the Acting Clerk of the House, Ibrahim Musa, had issued a statement indefinitely postponing the inauguration of the 24 members-elect and the election of a new Speaker. Consequently, security personnel barricaded the Assembly entrance, denying access to everyone, including 13 out of the 24 members-elect, who are believed to be Ogazi’s supporters. These members, affiliated with opposition parties, were collaborating with Ogazi, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member. Meanwhile, the remaining 11 members were loyal to Balarabe-Abdullahi, who is also a member of the APC.
