The Plateau State House of Assembly, has said the change of its Speakership was democratically done and peacefully, with 23 of the 24 seats members casting their votes to elect Rt Hon. Daniel Naanlong, as new speaker.

This was stated at a press briefings by the House committee chairman on Information, Hon.Mathew Kwarpoe, at the assembly complex.

He said the 10th Assembly was interrupted by the judgement of the election tribunal, with the sacking of the 16 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), since then they leadership in place was led by forner speaker Gabriel Dewan, who helped stabilises the House, but was from the zone with the seating Governor.

“Looking at the zoning arrangement, there was every need to adhered to it, though it might not be constitutional but it was an understanding of the entire people of Plateau State.

“Yesterday was historic that Rt Hon. Gabriel Dewan thought it wise that there is ece need to give a way particularly to people who are of the APC block, the 22 members to elects there speaker,” he said.

Hon Kwarpoe said former speaker being a sole member of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), had in the spirit of understanding, unity, development, one Plateau and good governance decided at the plenary resigned honourably.

“The new speaker was elected from the Southern Plateau and it was done peacefully, and developmentally, there were 23 members in attendance in the plenary, votes were cast and Rt. Hon Daniel Naanlong, emerged as the speaker, that replaced Gabriel Dewan,” he said.

Hon Kwarpoe said the new speaker has assured his commitment to consolidate on the unity, progress and development of not only members of the 10th Assembly, but also the entire Plateau.