Executive Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has warned members of the newly inaugurated 10th AMAC Legislative Assembly against creating legislative bottlenecks capable of slowing down development projects and programmes meant to benefit residents.
Maikalangu gave the warning on Tuesday during the inauguration of the 10th Legislative Council, urging the lawmakers to see their election as a call to service and place the interests of the people above politics.
“I hereby advise you to shun unnecessary legislative bottlenecks that are capable of frustrating any developmental projects or programmes beneficial to the people,” he said.
The AMAC boss also cautioned the councillors against selfishness, ethnic sentiments and religious bigotry, stressing the need for unity and cooperation in the overall interest of residents.
The inauguration, which came shortly after Maikalangu’s swearing-in by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, witnessed the emergence of Hon. Yunana Ishaya as Speaker of the 10th AMAC Legislative Assembly and Hon. Jonathan Idi of Nyanya Ward as Deputy Speaker.
Hon. Hamzat Abubakar of Wuse Ward emerged as Majority Leader, while Hon. Godwin Iriminya of Karu Ward was elected Minority Leader.
Addressing the lawmakers, Maikalangu called for a cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of the council to fast-track grassroots development and deliver democratic dividends to the people.
He urged the legislators to key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and pledged that his administration would continue to pursue projects and policies that improve the lives of residents.
The chairman also praised FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, describing him as his mentor and role model in governance.
“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,” Maikalangu stated.
He expressed gratitude to AMAC residents, traditional rulers, artisans, youths and women groups for their support during the election, describing his victory as a collective mandate.
“Our victory in the just-concluded election is a victory for all, and I cannot take it for granted. No one will be left behind,” he assured.
Maikalangu also paid tribute to members of the outgoing 9th Assembly, noting that their contributions helped deepen democracy at the grassroots.
Earlier, the Director of Administration, Hajia Hajara Abdullahi, described Maikalangu as a worker-friendly leader committed to staff welfare and administrative harmony.
She urged the newly elected lawmakers to provide quality representation and effective legislation capable of accelerating development across the council.
“You assume office at a defining moment when our residents rightfully expect impactful representation, robust law-making and accelerated grassroots development,” she said.
Abdullahi assured the new Speaker and members of the Assembly of the full support of the council’s bureaucracy in the discharge of their duties.
With the inauguration completed and principal officers elected, the 10th AMAC Legislative Assembly has officially begun legislative activities amid expectations of stronger collaboration with the executive arm to drive development in the nation’s largest area council.
