House of Reps adjourns to mourn late members

The House of Representatives has adjourned plenary for seven days in honour of two members, Haruna Maitala and Rep Suleiman Aliyu Lere who died during the Easter break, The Nations reports.

According to Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila who made the announcement at the resumption of plenary, he said the decision was taken by the leadership in order to enable them to pay proper respect to their departed colleagues.

He however said the adjournment will not affect committee works.

The Speaker said the death of the two members came as a huge shock to the leadership and members of the Lower Chambers, describing Maitala as a quiet gentleman, who was committed to the progress of his community, The Nations said.

He regretted that the lawmaker died shortly after returning from an official assignment to the ECOWAS parliament and while traveling to attend his son’s wedding in Jos.

He disclosed that the lawmaker had contested the seat of the House of Representatives on several occasion without success, but won the 2019 elections to represent Jos North/Bassa Federal constituency of Plateau state.

On Lere, the Speaker said it was unfortunate the lawmaker died few weeks after being inaugurated as a member of the House following prolonged legal battle.

He said: “He was in court for almost two years before the court declared him winner. We recently inaugurated him, only for him to die few weeks after. He was a gentleman and committed to the development of his constituency.

“When the House resumes next week Tuesday, we will be holding a valedictory session of late Ossy Prestige. I appeal to members to make themselves available on that day for the valedictory session.”