CPA Appoints Kogi Speaker as Executive Committee Member to represent North Central

By Femi Olugbemi

The Honourable Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Mathew Kolawole has been appointed to serve as Executive Committee member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, (CPA) Africa Region.

This was contained in a letter signed by the Regional Secretary of the association in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Demetrius S. Mgalami.

The letter confirmed that the Speaker would serve as the representative of the North Central region of Nigeria, noting that the Executive Committee is the highest policy making body of the Association.

The Secretariat of the Association in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania appreciates the valuable supports it has received from Rt. Hon. Mathew Kolawole since he assume duty as the Honourable Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, hence the decision to appoint him to use his wealth of experience to serve in the capacity and  contribute his quota to the overall development of the Africa Region.

He said it has become imperative for the Speaker to come on board considering the myriad of socio-economic, political and security challenges confronting Nigeria, to effectively address the challenges through the legislature across all levels to close rank and articulate a robust and inclusive intervention mechanism.

The Association Secretariat congratulated the Speaker over his recent election as the 12th Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, noting that the election was a clear testimony of his outstanding performances while serving as the Majority Leader of the House, stressing that, no wonder the promotion to a higher responsibility.

The letter also confirmed that the Speaker have a three (3) years term to serve, stressing that by his new office within the association, he is expected to attend all the Exco meetings within and outside the country wherever such meetings are convened.

Receiving the appointment letter in Lokoja, the Honourable Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mathew Kolawole was full of surprises but appreciated the Executive Committee of the Association led by the Chairperson, Hon. Lindiwe Maseko, MP, Parliament of South Africa for the confidence reposed in him to serve in the capacity.

He also appreciated the entire members of the Sixth Assembly of the Kogi State House of Assembly for their support and cooperation since he assumed duty, promising to continue to work harmoniously with all without prejudice among them.

The highly elated Speaker also eulogized the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the monumental support he is giving to the legislative arm to carry out their constitutional responsibilities effectively and efficiently, pledging on behalf of the assembly to continue to make laws for the good governance of the state.

Rt. Hon. Kolawole promised to be a good ambassador of the state at the regional assignment, pledged to continue work with all stakeholders in moving the state forward.

The appointment takes effects from 12th October, 2017, while the 48th CPA, Africa Regional Conference will be holding in Owerri, Imo State Southeast region of Nigeria from 17th to 26th October, 2017.