News reaching CEOAFRICA.com is that the Taraba state House of Assembly has elected a new Speaker.
According to source, the Assembly this morning elected Josiah Kente as new Speaker to replace Haruna Tsokwa who died after a brief illness on 4th November.
Reports suggest Mr. Kente, a former deputy majority leader of the Assembly, emerged by consensus after members agreed to retain the speakership position in the Southern Senatorial Zone of the state.
Deputy Speaker Tanko Maikerifi was reportedly disqualified to allow for religious balancing in the leadership of the state. Acting Governor Garba Umar is muslim and the lawmakers believe another muslim should not be allowed to lead the second most powerful arm of government in the state.
Late Mr. Tsokwa died after a brief ailment on the morning of November 4 at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, the Taraba state capital.
Meanwhile, Mr Adamu Tanko Maikarfi was reported to have escaped being killed by unknown assassins.
