By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The immediate past Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Prof. Joseph Albasu Kunini, has bowed to pressure from his constituents, abandoning his House of Representatives ambition to seek re-election for the Lau State Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections.
Kunini made the announcement on Friday in Jalingo after key stakeholders from Lau Constituency presented him with the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms, effectively ending his earlier plan to contest the Lau/Karim-Lamido/Ardo-Kola Federal Constituency seat.
Describing the moment as both historic and emotional, Kunini said extensive consultations for the House of Representatives bid had yielded positive responses across the federal constituency, but the wishes of his people remained paramount.
“My political ambition can never be more important than the choice of my people. I am but a servant. I cannot turn down the sacrifices of these people who sourced funds, purchased the forms, and presented them to me,” he said.
“They did not only ask me to step aside; they made a serious commitment. That is priceless.”
He added that he found the stakeholders’ reasons convincing and pledged to serve the constituency more effectively if re-elected, expressing gratitude for the confidence reposed in him.
Leader of the delegation, Hon. Emmanuel Umar, said the decision followed wide consultations, noting that stakeholders believe Kunini remains closer to the grassroots at the State Assembly.
“Over the years, we have worked closely with you and we know that winning a House of Representatives seat would not be difficult. However, we plead to be selfish for once—we still need you at the State Assembly,” Umar said.
Presenting the forms, Director-General of the Alkinjo Campaign Organisation, Hon. Gelishion Bethuel, said Kunini’s track record in Lau Local Government Area stands him out, expressing confidence that he would surpass his previous performance if given another mandate.
Bethuel also urged supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid political violence, describing Kunini as a firm believer in fair play.
Also speaking, a former Chairman of Lau LGA, Hon. Nicholas Nwaniyafinwani, said Kunini’s leadership had made governance easier, assuring him of stakeholders’ full support for a smooth re-election bid.
Kunini previously represented Lau Constituency in the State Assembly and rose to become Speaker before the expiration of the last Assembly.
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