The Plateau State House of Assembly has held a valedictory session in honour of the late former Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Peter Ajang Azi, with serving and former lawmakers, traditional rulers, former presiding officers and other dignitaries in attendance.
The session, held on Thursday, provided an opportunity for lawmakers, political associates and other stakeholders to reflect on the life, leadership and contributions of the late parliamentarian to the legislature and the development of Plateau State.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, described the late Peter Azi as a courageous, transparent and committed legislator who understood the powers and responsibilities of the legislature.
Naanlong said the deceased served the House with integrity and patriotism, making significant contributions to the passage of motions and enactment of laws aimed at advancing the interests of Plateau State.
He said Azi’s leadership style promoted stability within the legislature and strengthened relationships among the various arms of government.
According to him, the late former Speaker lived a life dedicated to service and the development of Plateau State, leaving behind a legacy worthy of remembrance and emulation.
The member representing Jos North West Constituency, Hon. Mark Sunday Na’ah, described the late former Speaker as a father and a political mentor who supported his political journey and contributed significantly to his emergence as a member of the House.
Na’ah also recalled Azi’s humility, accessibility and respect for people, saying his positive influence extended beyond the walls of the legislature.
Former Speakers and other lawmakers equally paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as a man of dignity, simplicity, humility and a jovial disposition who remained committed to unity and the progress of the state.
Members and former presiding officers who spoke during the valedictory session described Azi as a father, mentor, grassroots politician and bridge-builder who related with people irrespective of their political, religious or social differences.
The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Joseph Gokum described the late Azi as a builder who added value to the legislature, while former colleagues, including Saleh Yipmong, Abdul Yanga and Joshua Madaki, also paid glowing tributes to his contributions.
They called on the government, lawmakers and the people of Plateau State to take steps to preserve and immortalise the late former Speaker’s legacy.
Following the Speaker’s remarks, the Majority Leader moved a motion for the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Peter Azi to be brought into the hallowed chamber for the valedictory proceedings.
The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Dewan Gabriel, after which the remains were brought into the chamber.
Speaking on behalf of the Azi family, Philip Azi expressed appreciation to the Speaker and members of the 10th 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, while members observed a minute of silence in his memory.
The House also resolved to open a condolence register in honour of the late former Speaker.
The Speaker urged members to attend the funeral of the deceased, stressing that the loss should further strengthen their resolve to stand by and defend one another in times of need.
The valedictory session was attended by traditional rulers, former Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, well-wishers and members of the public.
The event underscored the enduring impact of the late Peter Azi’s years of public service and his contributions to the growth and stability of the Plateau State legislature.
