The Benue House of Assembly has appointed Mr Peter Ipusu, member representing Katsina-Ala West Constituency, as its new Majority Leader.
Ipusu was appointed during a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Alfred Emberga, on Tuesday in Makurdi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ipusu previously served as chief whip of the assembly and later chaired the House Standing Committee on Tertiary Education.
His appointment followed the defection of the former majority leader, Mr Thomas Dugeri, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Emberga, while making the announcement, said that the Ipusu’s emergence reflected the confidence reposed in his experience, legislative capacity and understanding of parliamentary procedures.
The new responsibility, the speaker said, was an opportunity for the new majority leader to bring his wealth of experience to bear in strengthening the effectiveness and stability of the house.
He urged him to provide effective coordination of legislative activities while promoting cooperation, discipline and constructive engagement among members of the house.
He also charged him to support legislation and policies aimed at addressing the needs of the people and advancing the overall development of the state.
He emphasised the importance of teamwork among lawmakers and sued for sustenance of the spirit of consultation, cooperation and collaboration with members of the assembly in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Responding, Ipusu thanked Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue and the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Benjamin Omale, for finding him worthy of the appointment.
He pledged to discharge his duties credibly for the overall benefit of the assembly in particular and the state at large.
He also appreciated God for giving him the rare opportunity to serve in the exalted office.
