KEY POINTS

• Salihu Maikasuwa-Dangoje has been elected Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly.
• His emergence followed the death of former Speaker Mohammed Usman-Zuru in Egypt.
• Lawmakers unanimously backed his nomination during plenary in Birnin Kebbi.

The Kebbi State House of Assembly has elected Salihu Maikasuwa-Dangoje, representing Sakaba Constituency, as its new Speaker.

His election took place on Wednesday during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Birnin Kebbi, where lawmakers unanimously supported his nomination.

The process was overseen by the Clerk of the House, Sulaiman Shamaki, who confirmed that the election was conducted in line with constitutional provisions governing state legislatures.

The leadership position became vacant following the death of the former Speaker, Mohammed Usman-Zuru, who passed away on April 7 in Cairo, Egypt, while receiving medical treatment.

His death left the Assembly without a presiding officer, prompting lawmakers to quickly move to fill the leadership gap in accordance with legislative rules.

Election Conducted in Line With Constitutional Provisions

According to the Clerk of the House, the election was carried out in line with Section 92(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers state assemblies to elect a Speaker from among their members.

The nomination process was initiated by Adamu Birnin-Yauri (APC, Ngaski), who moved the motion for Dangoje’s selection, while Lawal Haruna (APC, Fakai) seconded it.

Lawmakers subsequently approved the nomination without opposition, leading to his unanimous election.

During the nomination, supporters of Dangoje highlighted his extensive experience in the House, noting that he had served for about 11 years and held several leadership roles.

They argued that his long-standing service made him well suited to lead the Assembly at a critical time.

Following his election, the Clerk of the House administered the oath of office to the new Speaker, officially confirming his assumption of duty.

The ceremony took place immediately after the vote, in line with legislative procedures.

In his acceptance speech, Dangoje expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence placed in him.

He pledged to provide inclusive, transparent, and purposeful leadership aimed at strengthening unity among lawmakers.

He also promised to focus on people-oriented legislation, improve oversight functions, and support policies that promote good governance and development in Kebbi State.