By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
SPEAKER of Kogi House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf has described the November 11, off-cycle Gubernatorial polls as the most peaceful governorship election in the history of the state since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
The Speaker who disclosed this in his opening address to the members at plenary on return from a seven-week recess on Tuesday in Lokoja recounted “the many things that transpired in the course of the November 11th gubernatorial election in the state.”
Rt Hon. Yusuf congratulated the 8th Assembly members in the state for making history as the lawmakers in whose tenure the state held one of “the most peaceful governorship elections since the beginning of the fourth republic in 1999.”
He recounted that though the state was polarised along ethnic divides during the campaigns, the recently concluded elections had shown the strength of the nation’s democratic system in allowing the voices of the people to be heard.
Yusuf therefore called on the members and indeed, the entire state, to rise above differences and discord saying, “while the election may have highlighted our differences, it is imperative that we focus on the common ground that unites us.
“Let us rise above the discord of the campaign season and dedicate ourselves to finding common-sense solutions to the challenges that lie ahead.
“In the aftermath of a particularly polarizing electioneering campaign, we gather here with the shared commitment to move forward, to work collaboratively and to serve the greater good of our constituents.
“In the diverse tapestry of our democracy, we recognize and respect the multitude of perspectives that our constituents hold. It is this diversity that enriches our debates and fuels the democratic process.
“Today, we must come together, regardless of our political, ethnic, and religious affiliations to fulfill the promises we made during our campaigns and address the pressing issues facing our society.
“As we enter this legislative session, it is essential that we keep in mind the common purpose that unites us which is the betterment of the lives of those we represent.
“We are entrusted with the responsibility to legislate, deliberate and make decisions that will shape the future of our communities, villages and towns that we represent across Kogi State”, he said.
The Speaker said that only through engagement in open and respectful dialogue, cooperation and compromise, could they collectively forge a path that reflects the will of the people and advance the common good of the entire state.
“Respected colleagues, be reminded here that as legislators, we play crucial roles in shaping the legal framework that governs society; hence, our responsibility in lawmaking should be approached with utmost seriousness.
“As we approach the end of year 2023, we must make ourselves available to deliberate on issues at hand and other very serious pieces of legislation that would ensure the progress of our state.
“This is important because laws have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities that we represent. Legislation dictates how people interact, trade, and coexist within a society.
“A single law can have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from personal freedoms to economic activities. As legislators, we must recognize the weight of our decisions and approach lawmaking with all sense of responsibility”, he said. (Ends)