Taraba lawmakers reelect ex-speaker

The house of assembly in Taraba state on Thursday elected Mark Useni, a former speaker, as its new speaker.

Useni, who was speaker of the house in the seventh assembly, replaced Abel Diah of Mbamga constituency, whose election was nullified by the court of appeal December, 2015.

Useni represents Takum 2 Constituency in the house.

Majority leader of the house, Albasu Kunini, nominated Useni and was seconded by oshia Aji of Wukari 2 constituency and the nomination was supported by all the lawmakers present.

Accepting the new role, Useni thanked God for choosing him again, among many, to lead the house.

He pledged to lead the house to make laws that would support the “rescue mission” of Gov. Darius Ishaku in order to bring peace, unity and rapid development to the state.

Useni said the assembly under his leadership would champion unity among members.

He said the house would give accelerated consideration of the 2016 appropriation bill before it to pave the way for infrastructural development of the state.

Twenty-two members out of the 24 members of the assembly were present at plenary.