Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, has called on Nigerians and residents of the state to sustain prayers and support for government and leaders at all levels to enable them succeed.
Jatau, who represents Kokona West Constituency, made the call in his Independence Day message while addressing journalists in Lafia, the state capital.
The Speaker also commended the founding fathers of Nigeria and Nasarawa State for their contributions to the development of society, urging current leaders to preserve and build on their legacies.
He said the country and the state had made progress over the years, stressing that peace and unity remained essential for sustained development.
“We cannot continue to make progress without peace. Peace is paramount. It is the necessary requirement for the development of any society,” he said.
Jatau urged citizens to promote love and unity, saying greater attention should be given to issues that unite the people rather than those that divide them.
“Let our diversity be an advantage, not a division,” he added.
The Speaker commended Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for what he described as efforts to promote peace and development across the state.
He particularly cited the governor’s efforts to attract investors, including investments in the mining sector, which he said had created employment opportunities for youths and contributed to the state’s revenue.
Jatau also appreciated the governor for his support for the State House of Assembly, including what he described as partial financial autonomy for the legislature.
He said the arrangement had enabled the Assembly to independently handle some approvals and activities, adding that the peaceful relationship between the executive and legislative arms had contributed to development in the state.
According to him, the Assembly would continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with the executive arm in the interest of the state’s development.
“The rapid development we are witnessing in the state is as a result of the good working relationship between the executive and the House,” he said.
Jatau said he was proud of the peaceful atmosphere among lawmakers and the interventions that had strengthened the legislature, adding that he hoped to be remembered for contributing to the development of the Assembly when his tenure ends.
Jatau Reaffirms Commitment to APC
The Speaker also reaffirmed his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he would remain in the party and work toward its success in the 2027 elections.
He expressed optimism that the APC would retain the Nasarawa State governorship seat in 2027, citing what he described as the achievements of Governor Sule.
Jatau appealed to APC members and political leaders who had defected to opposition parties to return to the party, saying their return would strengthen the party and contribute to the development of the state.
“I am a party man with ideology, and I believe in God. He gives power to whomever He wishes at His appointed time,” he said.
The Speaker recalled that he had accepted the outcome of previous political contests in good faith, including when he contested for the House of Representatives and lost.
He said he had also refrained from challenging electoral outcomes in court, explaining that his political experiences had strengthened his belief in patience and respect for party and political stakeholders.
“I am an APC man, I will remain in the party and work for its victory in 2027,” Jatau said.
The Speaker concluded by urging residents of Nasarawa State to continue to embrace peace, unity and mutual love as necessary conditions for the state’s continued development.