Maikalangu Inaugurates 10th AMAC Legislative Council, Warns Against Legislative Bottlenecks
…as Ishaya Emerges Speaker
By Core Reporters
The Executive Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, on Monday formally inaugurated the 10th AMAC Legislative Council, charging the newly elected lawmakers to avoid actions capable of hindering development at the grassroots.
The inauguration came shortly after Maikalangu’s own swearing-in for a new term of office by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike.
Following the inauguration ceremony at the Legislative Chamber of the AMAC Secretariat, the councillors proceeded to elect their principal officers. Hon. Yunana Ishaya of Gui Ward emerged as Speaker of the 10th Assembly, while Hon. Jonathan Idi of Nyanya Ward was elected Deputy Speaker.
Other principal officers elected include Hon. Hamzat Abubakar of Wuse Ward as Majority Leader and Hon. Godwin Iriminya of Karu Ward as Minority Leader.
The inauguration officially marked the commencement of legislative activities for the newly elected councillors representing AMAC’s 12 political wards.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the AMAC Chairman, Kingsley Madaki, Maikalangu urged the lawmakers to view their election as a call to selfless service and responsibility.
Addressing the legislators and the newly elected leadership, the chairman emphasized the need to place the interests of the people above politics and personal considerations.
“I hereby advise you to shun unnecessary legislative bottlenecks that are capable of frustrating developmental projects and programmes beneficial to the people,” Maikalangu said.
“We should also shun all forms of selfishness, ethnic and religious bigotry.”
The chairman called for a cordial and productive relationship between the executive and legislative arms of the council to facilitate the delivery of democratic dividends to residents.
He further urged the lawmakers to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that such collaboration would accelerate development within the council area.
Maikalangu also acknowledged the role of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, whom he described as his mentor in public administration.
“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 path of excellent service delivery to the people with integrity, without fear or favour,” he said.
The chairman expressed gratitude to residents, traditional rulers, artisans, youth groups, women groups, and other stakeholders for supporting his re-election.
“Our victory in the just-concluded election is a victory for all, and I do not take it for granted,” he stated, assuring residents that no one would be left behind in his administration’s development agenda.
He also commended members of the outgoing 9th Assembly for their contributions to the growth of the council.
Acknowledging that disagreements are inevitable in a democratic system, Maikalangu said:
“Sometimes we disagree on some issues; that is the beauty of democracy. Today, you have concluded your tenure. Nevertheless, some of you can still be called upon to contribute your wealth of experience.”
Earlier, the Director of Administration of AMAC, Hajiya Hajara Abdullahi, delivered a welcome address in which she praised the chairman’s leadership style.
She described Maikalangu as a worker-friendly leader who has consistently promoted staff welfare, administrative harmony, and mutual respect within the council.
Addressing the new Speaker and members of the 10th Assembly, Abdullahi assured them of the full support and cooperation of the council’s civil service.
“You assume office at a defining moment when our residents rightfully expect impactful representation, robust law-making, and accelerated grassroots development,” she said.
“We stand ready to partner with you to ensure that your legislative functions are seamless, productive, and aligned with our collective vision for progress.”
With the administration of oaths, election of principal officers, and formal inauguration of the 10th Assembly, a new chapter has begun in AMAC’s political journey as residents look forward to effective collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.
