Sani Abubakar Danladi
The Taraba State House of Assembly has reaffirmed the reinstated deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi, as the acting governor of the state.

The reaffirmation, which was effected on the floor of the assembly yesterday was sequel to last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment which nullified Abubakar’s impeachment as deputy governor on November 4, 2012 and the sacked Alhaji Garba Umar as acting governor.

The reaffirmation of Abubakar was preceded by the election of Hon. Mark Useni representing Takum I constituency as the Speaker of the assembly following the resignation of erstwhile Speaker, Hon Josiah Sabo Kente.

Moving the motion for Abubakar’s reaffirmation, the Majority Leader, Hon Joseph Albasu Kunini said following the Supreme Court ruling, the assembly was compelled to reaffirm Abubakar as the acting governor.

Albasu further noted that the decision was also in compliance with the provisions of section 190(2) of the 1999 Constitution which stipulates that the deputy governor must be confirmed acting governor within 21 days in the event that the governor is unable to transmit a letter to the Assembly mandating his deputy to act as governor.

The motion was seconded by the member representing Jalingo II constituency, Hon. Aminu Umar and was unanimously passed by the entire members of the assembly.

In his own contribution, former Speaker of the assembly, Hon Istifanus Gbana, stressed the need to urgently adhere to the directive of the Supreme Court which implies that in the eyes of the law, Abubakar was never impeached and therefore should be reaffirmed as acting governor.

He further held that the assembly acted wrongly by impeaching Abubakar and subsequently mandating Umar to be acting governor, saying it had become imperative for the assembly to correct the mistake.

Also contributing, member representing Bali II constituency, Hon. Hammanadama Abdullah, opined that the issue ought not to be debated by members, saying the decision of the Supreme Court must be strictly adhered to in accordance with the rule of law.
Earlier, the resignation letter of the Kente as Speaker was read on the floor of the assembly and was unanimously endorsed by the members.

Thereafter, the member representing Zing constituency, Hon Bonzena moved a motion nominating Hon Mark Useni as Speaker and was seconded by Hon Aminu Umar, Jalingo II constituency.

The motion was subsequently unanimously passed by the members while the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Tanko Maikarfi who presided over the sitting, stepped down and requested the new Speaker to take charge of proceedings.
In his acceptance speech, Useni assured the members that he would justify the confidence reposed in him by the members just as promised to carry all the members along.

Fielding questions from journalists shortly after adjourning sitting till today Tuesday, the new Speaker stated that he would do everything within his power to usher a new lease of life for the people of the state just as he expressed his preparedness to work for the success of the new acting governor.

Meanwhile, Danladi has inaugurated a 13 man committee to verify all contracts and policies undertaken and formulated in the state from October 2012 till date.

In the same vein, the acting governor also sworn in Mr. Gebon Timothy Kataps as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
Inaugurating the committee,  which has Dr Philip Due as chairman, Danladi enjoined the committee members to execute the task given to them in line with the terms of reference in order to put the records straight and foster development in the state.
Danladi noted that the committee was not meant to witch hunt anybody saying it was put in place simply to ascertain what has happened in the state within the period under review.

According to him “This committee is not meant to witch hunt anybody, it is simply to know what has happened within the period under review. I therefore urge you to do your assignment with the fear of God and be fair to everyone,” he said.

Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of the new SSG, Alhaji Abubakar enjoined him to bring his wealth of experience to bear on his  service to the people of the state saying he and the entire people of the state would give him all the necessary support he’ll require to succeed in his assignment.

Responding on behalf of the members of the committee,  Due assured the people of the state that the committee would perform its functions without any fear or favour and would be fair to all concern.

Similarly, Kataps also pledged to work hard and contribute his best towards the restoration of peace and development in the state.
He equally assured the acting governor of his unflinching loyalty, saying he would rather leave the job than being disloyal to the acting governor who he pleaded with to forgive him for the role he played during his impeachment saga as the Attorney General of the state.

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