The Executive Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has formally inaugurated the 10th AMAC Legislative Council, following his inauguration by the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.
Immediately after the inauguration, the newly minted lawmakers moved into leadership elections, which culminated in the emergence of Hon. Yunana Ishaya as the new Speaker of the Abuja Municipal Area Council Legislative Assembly and Hon. Jonathan Idi of Nyanya Ward as the Deputy Speaker.
Other principal legislative officers include Hon. Hamzat Abubakar of Wuse Ward, Majority Leader, and Hon. Godwin Iriminya of Karu Ward, Minority Leader.
The event, which took place at the Legislative Chamber of the Council Secretariat, officially sets the wheels in motion for the newly elected councillors representing AMAC’s 12 political wards.
Addressing the legislators and the newly elected leadership under Speaker Ishaya, the chairman of the council, Maikalangu, emphasised that their election was strictly a “call to service with responsibilities”.
He urged the 10th Assembly to immediately commence their legislative functions and to prioritise the immediate needs of their constituents over political friction.
”I hereby advise you to shun unnecessary legislative bottlenecks that are capable of frustrating any developmental projects or programmes beneficial to the people,” Maikalangu warned.
“We should shun all forms of selfishness, ethnic and religious bigotry.”
The Chairman expressed his desire for a highly collaborative and robust relationship between the executive and legislative arms to ensure the rapid delivery of democratic dividends to the grassroots.
Aligning his governance vision with higher levels of government, Maikalangu appealed to the lawmakers to embrace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also credited FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as his administrative mentor.
”My administration will continue to drive in the success vehicle of ‘Mr Project’, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, who has mentored me on the steering of success standards of excellent service to the people with integrity without fear or favour,” the Chairman noted.
Maikalangu thanked the electorates, traditional rulers, artisans, youth, and women’s groups who returned him to office.
“Our victory in the just-concluded election is a victory for all, and I cannot take it for granted,” he promised, adding that his administration’s top priority is ensuring that “no one will be left behind.
He also extended a hand of appreciation to the outgoing 9th Assembly councillors.
Acknowledging the natural friction of governance, Maikalangu remarked. “Sometimes, we disagree on some issues; that is the beauty of democracy.
Today, you have concluded your tenure; nevertheless, some of you can be recalled to contribute your wealth of experience.”
Earlier in the evening, the ceremony commenced with a welcome address by the Director of Administration for AMAC, Hajia Hajara Abdullahi.
Speaking on behalf of the council’s bureaucracy, Abdullahi paid a glowing tribute to Chairman Maikalangu, labelling him a “worker-friendly leader” who has consistently prioritised employee welfare, administrative synergy, and mutual respect.
Turning her attention to Speaker Yunana Ishaya and the new lawmakers, Abdullahi assured the 10th Assembly of the unalloyed commitment and policy support of the entire AMAC civil service.
”You assume office at a defining moment when our residents rightfully expect impactful representation, robust law-making, and accelerated grassroots development,” Abdullahi stated.
“We stand ready to partner with you to ensure your legislative functions are seamless, productive, and aligned with our collective vision for progress.”
With the formal oaths administered, leadership positions filled, and the 10th Assembly officially inaugurated “to the glory of God”, residents of Nigeria’s capital municipality will be watching closely as Speaker Ishaya and the executive arm begin this fresh political chapter
