The new Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Mr Danladi Jatau, has pledged to lead the legislature with the fear of God and inclusiveness.

The said doing so would promote unity and peace and overall development of the state.

Mr Jatau made the promise while addressing supporters who welcomed him to his home on Sunday in the Garaku, Kokona Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Jatau, a former deputy majority leader, who was elected unopposed on December 1 by his colleagues as the Speaker, was home to see his people.

The Speaker appreciated God, members of the House, Governor Abdullahi Sule and the immediate past speaker for having faith in him to lead the state assembly.

He appreciated the people of Kokona LGA and assured that he would not disappoint or abuse the mandate given to him.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for this position and to thank the people of Kokona West for electing me into the state legislature, to appreciate my colleagues for the confidence reposed in me.

“I also want to thank His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule, and especially the person I succeeded for their support towards my emergence as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly.

“By God’s grace, I will not fail you, I will not fail the House and the state while discharging my duties,” he assured.

Besides, Mr Jatau promised all inclusive leadership to promote unity and peace among members.

“During my inauguration as Speaker, I pledged to promote unity and peace among honourable members and the state at large, and that I shall strive to succeed,” he said.

The Speaker also assured of his readiness to effectively synergise with the other arms of government for the overall development of the state.

“We will give His Excellency the maximum support and cooperation to succeed, that is the only way the government will provide the much needed dividends of democracy to the people,” he added.

The Speaker however advised the people of the state to shun religious and ethnic politics for development to thrive.

He announced that the state government would soon embark on some road construction in Kokona and other local government areas in the state.

The speaker assured of his commitment to provide quality leadership for the people of the State.

Chairman, Kokona Local Government Council, Mr Awalu Adamu, urged the new Speaker to operate an open-door policy for the overall development of the state.

Mr Adamu assured the Speaker of their loyalty and support for him to succeed.

“Rt. Hon. Speaker, we want to thank God for your election as Speaker of the state House of Assembly. As a political leader of Kokona Local Government Area, we want to assure you of our loyalty, prayers and support to you, Governor Abdullahi Sule and President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

The chairman said that the local government would soon organise a reception in his honour.

Also Speaking, Mr Jacob Bado, the Kokona LGA, APC Chairman; Mr  Mukailu Salihu; former Overseer, Agwada Development Area; Alhaji Adamu Maku, Managing Director, AA Ashangwa Oil and Mr Jonathan Markus, MD Paradise Home Dec.Int’l Hotel, Lafia, described Jatau as a political unifier.

They further assured him of their support at all times and called on the people of the area and the state at large to support the Speaker and governor.

The Speaker paid a traditional homage to the Abaga Toni, Mr Lawrence Slyvester-Ayih, in his palace in Garaku to receive a royal blessing.

 The Abaga Toni enjoined Jatau to lead with the fear of God and provide an inclusive leadership for unity, peace, progress and development of the state.

The traditional ruler also called on the people to support the new Speaker, the governor and other leaders.

(NAN)