The Nasarawa Assembly made headlines on Monday as it screened seven out of the 16 commissioner-nominees submitted by Governor Abdullahi Sule on February 10. This screening is a significant step towards finalizing the members of the State Executive Council.
The nominees who successfully passed the screening include Princess Margaret Itake Elayo from Keana, Dr. John Mamman representing Kokona, Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi from Doma, Barrister Isaac Danladi from Karu, and Dr. Ibrahim Tanko from Keffi. Additionally, Umar Tanko Tunga from Awe and Comrade Gabriel Agbashi from Doma Local Government Area were also screened.
Earlier reports by DAILY POST indicated that the Assembly had suspended the screening for a returning commissioner, Yakubu Boher Kwanta, due to allegations of indiscipline and insubordination. The Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, announced that Kwanta would only be reconsidered if he submits a formal apology to the Assembly.
During the screening process in Lafia, it was noted that the nominee had previously failed to appear before the legislature to defend the budget performance of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, where he served as commissioner.
Hon. Adamu Omadefu (APC, Keana) highlighted constitutional provisions that prevent nominees from being screened under such conditions. “For failing to appear before our committee to defend his ministry’s budget, Hon. Yakubu Kwanta should tender a strong apology before we consider him for screening,” he stated.
Several lawmakers, including Mohammed Garba Isimbabi, Ajegana Jacob Kudu, and Hudu A. Hudu, supported this motion, emphasizing that Kwanta must issue a written apology to preserve the integrity of the Assembly.
The Nasarawa Assembly is anticipated to continue the screening process for the remaining nominees in the upcoming days.
