- The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman Ankwai, died on Monday night, sending shockwaves through the state’s political landscape.
- Representing Zuru Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ankwai had led the 10th Assembly since his election on June 8, 2023.
- Colleagues and associates have described the late Speaker as a dedicated public servant whose leadership contributed significantly to the legislative development of Kebbi State.
The Kebbi State government and the legislative arm have been thrown into mourning following the death of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Ankwai.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the lawmaker, who was a key figure in the 10th Assembly, reportedly passed away on Monday night.
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While the specific circumstances surrounding his demise remain undisclosed, his death was confirmed by various political sources and reported by Daily Post early Tuesday morning.
Ankwai’s tenure as Speaker began at the inauguration of the current Assembly in June 2023.
During his time in office, he was recognized for his efforts in steering the house through critical legislative sessions and maintaining a collaborative relationship between the executive and legislative branches.
Since the news of his passing broke, there has been an outpouring of grief from the Zuru Constituency, which he represented, and across the wider state.
Residents and fellow lawmakers alike have hailed him as a principled leader committed to the progress of Kebbi.
This tragic loss comes at a particularly difficult time for the state, which is currently grappling with a resurgent insecurity crisis.
Recent reports indicate a wave of coordinated arson attacks in the Gebbe District of Shanga Local Government Area.
Between Sunday night and Monday morning, assailants believed to have emerged from the Wawa Forest in neighboring Niger State stormed rural communities, setting homes in Kalkami, Tungar Bori, and Kawara ablaze.
The resulting chaos has forced many residents to flee their ancestral homes.
As the state navigates these security challenges, the vacuum left by Speaker Ankwai’s death presents a significant administrative hurdle.
Formal announcements regarding his burial arrangements are expected from the family and the state government shortly.
For now, the people of Kebbi State remain in reflection, honoring the memory of a speaker who served during one of the state’s most demanding periods.
