The Kogi state house of Assembly has elected new Speaker to replace Umar Ahmed Imam who resigned Wednesday night.

He is Honourable Mathew Kolawole, member representing Kaba/Bunu state constituency

At a special plenary on Thursday where the replacement was announced, members praised the former speaker for his leadership qualities.

Speaking shortly after the swearing in of the new speaker, the deputy speaker, Hassan Abdullahi from Dekina/Okura constituency described the former speaker as an epitome of humility, transparency difficult to match.

Other principal officers of the House sworn in at Wednesday ‘s sitting include Victor Omofaye from Ijumu constituency who was sworn on as the Chief whip and Balogun Bello from Ajaokuta as the Majority leader.