Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly, Joshua Izang Madaki, said he is not seeking re-election in the 2019 general election, regardless of the zoning arrangement in his favour.
In a statement he personally signed, the Speaker said he had decided to give others the opportunity to serve, but that he would stand with his community and will continue to support his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), throughout the political process.
“It is pertinent for me to put formally in perspective some of my intentions to fellow well-wishers, wide range of supporters and of course, especially my fellow constituents to whom I owe much gratitude.
“You will recall days ago at the Northern Senatorial Zone of Plateau Stakeholders meeting which held at the Yelwa Club, Saturday 29th October, 2018 where in the meeting all contestants seeking or going for re-election with the party, APC in 2019 were asked to stand up for recognition, prayers and well wishes.
“I did not stand, not because I should not, but in agreement with my conscience, I have settled not to re-contest in 2019. I thank God for many reasons, having come this long way, first as Member, Chief Whip and rising to top echelon as Speaker Plateau House of Assembly. I have shared and discovered more about myself in the course of the years journey, and opportunities within the short time. I deeply and indelibly remain grateful. At this juncture, let me construe my very guided reason for not recontesting.
“I want to categorically state that having consulted widely among my constituents on the aforementioned, and understood clearly and undoubtedly of the existing binding zoning consisting five (5) Districts in alphabetical order, Federe, Fobur, Fursum, Maigemu and Shere. And as so often said, ‘all politics is local’ this being reasonably so, that zoning formula held sacrosanct and by reasonable sheer of opportunity that gives each, a very fair share opportunity in the five (5) districts to which privilege, myself have benefited,” the statement partly read.
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