Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, our Managing Editor, assesses the inauguration of the Abuja Municipal Area Council’s (AMAC) 10th Legislative Council and the task ahead for the new lawmakers.
The 10th AMAC Legislative Council was inaugurated on Monday by Executive Chairman Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, after his own swearing-in by FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike at the council’s secretariat, according to Hon. Kingsley Madaki, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Executive Chairman, AMAC
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Legislative Chamber of the Council Secretariat, formally set the wheels in motion for councillors representing AMAC’s 12 political wards.
Immediately after the oath-taking, the new lawmakers moved into leadership elections, culminating in the election of Hon. Yunana Ishaya as Speaker of the AMAC Legislative Assembly.
Hon. Jonathan Idi of Nyanya Ward emerged Deputy Speaker, while Hon. Hamzat Abubakar of Wuse Ward was elected Majority Leader and Hon. Godwin Iriminya of Karu Ward became Minority Leader.
In his inaugural charge, Chairman Maikalangu described the lawmakers’ mandate as a “call to service with responsibilities” and urged them to commence legislative functions without delay.
He warned the 10th Assembly to “shun unnecessary legislative bottlenecks that are capable of frustrating any developmental projects or programmes beneficial to the people.”
Maikalangu also cautioned against selfishness, ethnic and religious bigotry, stressing that unity and focus on constituents’ needs must guide legislative decisions.
The Chairman expressed his desire for a robust, collaborative relationship between the executive and legislature to ensure rapid delivery of democratic dividends to the grassroots.
Aligning with federal priorities, Maikalangu appealed to councillors to embrace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in their law-making and oversight.
He credited FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as his administrative mentor, saying his administration will “drive in the success vehicle of ‘Mr. Project’” by delivering service with integrity, without fear or favour.
Maikalangu thanked the electorate, traditional rulers, artisans, youth, and women groups who returned him to office, describing the victory as “a victory for all.”
He pledged that his administration’s top priority remains ensuring “no one will be left behind,” especially vulnerable residents across AMAC’s wards.
The Chairman also appreciated outgoing 9th Assembly councillors, noting that disagreement is “the beauty of democracy” and that some of them may be recalled to contribute experience.
The ceremony began with a welcome address by the Director of Administration, Hajia Hajara Abdullahi, who praised Maikalangu as a “worker-friendly leader” committed to employee welfare and administrative synergy.
Abdullahi assured Speaker Ishaya and the new lawmakers of the civil service’s unalloyed commitment and policy support to make legislative functions seamless and productive.
“You assume office at a defining moment when our residents rightfully expect impactful representation, robust law-making, and accelerated grassroots development,” she told the 10th Assembly.
With leadership positions filled and oaths administered “to the glory of God,” the 10th Council now faces immediate expectations from residents for tangible projects.
Key tests for Speaker Ishaya and his colleagues will include budget oversight, constituency projects, and legislation that addresses sanitation, markets, roads, and primary healthcare in AMAC.
Maikalangu’s emphasis on avoiding “legislative bottlenecks” suggests the executive expects smooth cooperation, but the reality of checks and balances will test that relationship.
As Speaker Ishaya and the executive arm begin this fresh political chapter, residents of Nigeria’s capital municipality will be watching closely to see if promises of service, unity, and development translate into real change at the grassroots.
