By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Taraba State House of Assembly on Monday sworn in the member elect, Hon. Abner Shittu representing Karim Lamido I state constituency.
The ceremony, held at the Assembly Chamber in Jalingo, saw Shittu taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Membership in line with the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Hon. Shittu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently won the by-election conducted by INEC to fill the vacant seat as a result of resignation by the former member, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, to take an appointment with the state government as the commissioner, ministry of Tertiary Institutions which has further boosting the APC’s strength in the House.
The Speaker while congratulating him, urged him to serve his people diligently, assuring that the Assembly will continue to pass laws that drive development across the state.
Addressing journalists shortly after taking the Oath of allegiance, Shittu pledged to work with his colleagues in the Assembly and place the needs of his people first.
He promised to partner with security agencies to address insecurity in Karim Lamido and foster peace among the people.
Later at his residence in Shavon Mile Six, Jalingo, Shittu thanked God and his constituents for their support. Speaking in Hausa, he said “ni na kowa da kowa ne” (I belong to everyone), assuring that he would represent all groups in Karim Lamido 1 constituency including the Fulani, Wurkum, Karimjo, Jenjo, and Munga without discrimination.
At a reception in his residence, friends and associates delivered goodwill messages. Barrister Peterson Bakke advised him to use his remaining two years in office wisely and fulfill his promises.
Also speaking, Pastor Benjamin Jediel Jen, a longtime friend, urged Shittu to focus on pressing issues such as unemployment, poor roads, inadequate hospitals, and water shortages. He praised Shittu for already installing solar panels in both his hometown and Shavon Mile Six, saying it showed his readiness to deliver.
Pastor Jen further encouraged him to work with fellow lawmakers and align with state government policies to ensure the success of his bills.
He appealed to constituents to support Shittu by putting the collective interest of the constituency above personal gains.