by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State House of Assembly has held a valedictory session Thursday, in honour of the former Speaker of the House, Late Rt. Hon. Peter Ajang Azi, with former Speakers and Deputy Speakers, serving and former members, traditional rulers, the former Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, well-wishers and members of the public in attendance.
The session provided an opportunity for members and stakeholders to reflect on the life, leadership and contributions of the late parliamentarian to the legislature and the development of Plateau State.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, described late Rt. Hon. Peter Ajang Azi as a courageous, transparent and committed legislator, who understood the powers and responsibilities of the legislature.
Rt. Hon. Naanlong said the late former Speaker served the House with integrity and patriotism, contributing to the passage of motions and enactment of laws in the interest of Plateau State.
He noted that late Peter Azi’s leadership style promoted stability and strengthened relationships among the various arms of government.
The Speaker stressed late Peter Azi lived for service and Plateau State, noting that he left behind a legacy worthy of remembrance and emulation.
Members and former presiding officers, who spoke during the session, described the late former Speaker as a father, mentor, grassroots politician and bridge-builder who related with people, irrespective of political, religious or social differences.
The member representing Jos North West, Hon. Mark Sunday Na’ah, described late Peter Azi as a father and political mentor who supported his political journey and contributed significantly to his emergence as a Member of the House, and also recalled his humility, accessibility and respect for everyone.
Former Speakers and other members equally eulogized the deceased for his dignity, simplicity, humility, jovial disposition and commitment to unity, noting that his positive impact on the people of Plateau State would remain part of his enduring legacy.
The Majority Leader described late Peter Azi as a builder who added value to the legislature, while other former colleagues, including Saleh Yipmo, Abdul Yanga and Joshua Madaki, paid tribute to his contributions and called for efforts to preserve and immortalize his legacy.
Following the Speaker’s remarks, the Majority Leader moved a motion for the remains of Late Rt. Hon. Peter Ajang Azi to be brought into the hallowed chamber for the valedictory proceedings.
The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Dewan Gabriel, and the remains were subsequently brought into the chamber.
On behalf of the Azi family, Philip Azi expressed appreciation to the Speaker and members of the Tenth Assembly for standing with the family and honouring the memory of the late former Speaker.
The Clerk of the House, thereafter, read the resolutions of the Assembly in honour of the deceased. The House observed a minute of silence and resolved to open a condolence register in honour of late Peter Azi.
The Speaker also urged members to attend the funeral, and said the loss should strengthen the resolve of members to stand by and defend one another in times of need.
The valedictory session was attended by former Speakers and Deputy Speakers, members of the State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, Prof. Danladi Atu, former Secretary to the Government of the State, well-wishers and members of the public.