House Of Reps Speaker Appoints Prof. Dan-Azumi As Chief Of Staff

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has confirmed the appointment of Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi as his substantive Chief of Staff.

Dan-Azumi replaces Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart, who had been serving as the Speaker’s Acting Chief of Staff.

The development was confirmed in a statement on Monday by the spokesperson to the House of Reps Speaker, Musa Krishi.

The statement added that Olanrewaju-Smart is set to take up another appointment.

The new chief of staff is a professor of Political Science and Development Studies and until his latest appointment was the Technical Assistant to the Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), National Assembly.

He hails from Zing local government of Taraba State.

The statement reads in part: “Until his appointment, Prof. Dan-Azumi was the Technical Assistant to the Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), National Assembly.

“Jake Dan-Azumi is a professor of Political Science and Development Studies. He has extensive experience in development work focusing on democratic governance and public policy, parliamentary institutional strengthening, research, peace and security, human rights, conflict and peacebuilding and gender.

“He previously worked as a Special Assistant to the President of the Senate, Sen. (Dr.) David Mark, GCON, between 2011 and 2014.

“Prof. Dan-Azumi, who has over 14 years cumulative experience in the National Assembly system, is an expert in the design and delivery of parliamentary and democratic support programmes.

“He holds a Doctorate Degree in International Development from University College London (UCL); MSc International Human Rights Law from Oxford University; a BA (First Class) from the University of South Africa, and a BA (First Class, Honours) from the University of Zimbabwe, where he was awarded the Book Prize for the Best Student.

“His other qualifications include a Postgraduate Diploma in Research Methods from the University of Bradford, UK, among others. Prof. Dan-Azumi hails from Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State.”