KOGI STATE SIXTH ASSEMBLY'S SPEAKER ON A PASSIONATE APPEAL FOR GENUINE RECONCILIATION

Yesterday passed as a sad day for me, as I sat in the midst of my colleagues for the first time in months. It was saddening to see us sitting in the precinct of the Courtroom, instead of the Hallowed Chamber. I, all through the court session wondered why we dragged one another this far. Albeit we exchanged banters, shook hands and laughed together, the deep pain I felt was inexplicable as I was equally enveloped in shame.

No one could tell who was the plaintiff from the defendant as we embraced and shared reminiscences. I began to wonder if we really knew we had all wasted a year of our four year term. A flash back revealed an Assembly that has been entangled in a quagmire of sort.
Crisis after crisis, from the day of our inauguration through two impeachment culminating in the courts, the 6th Assembly has not known peace.

All through as I journeyed from the Courtroom in Abuja to Lokoja, I was a sad man. This is not the Assembly I craved, so was with my Honourable Colleagues. We started as friends and family, sharing our good and bad moments. Virtually, all of us went through the election tribunals through to the appeal court. We celebrated our victories together and shared the grief of our other colleagues who had lost their seats in the house. So, I really wonder why we are in court again instead of the Hallowed Chamber!

I am still appealing to all my colleagues as I have been, to let us sit together and resolve among ourselves. The truth is, no Executive will be so keen to see us United. All Executive feasts in Legislative rancour. Unless we agree to do it ourselves, no one can. Recall, “a house divided against itself can never stand” so says the bible.

This is a passionate appeal to all my Honourable Colleagues to please come back to the House and let’s give our constituents the quality representation they deserve. Let us engage in legislations that would translate to good governance. Let us carryout a robust over sight of the Executive. All these can happen, only in and out of the Chambers but certainly not in court. Remember, our strength lie in our number, not when we are divided.
I sincerely thank everyone who has been working towards our reconciliation.

Signed:
Rt. Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam,
Speaker, KGHA
17/06/2016