A former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Peter Ajang Azi, has died.
Azi, who served as Speaker of the state legislature from June 2015 to July 2018, died on Thursday in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
His family confirmed his death in a statement signed by John Daniel Azi, describing it as a painful loss.
“With total submission to the will of God Almighty, the Azi Ajang Family announce the passing unto glory of their son, brother, and father, Rt. Hon. Peter Ajang Azi,” the statement read.
The family said the former lawmaker “peacefully joined his Lord” on Thursday and added that details of his burial arrangements would be announced later.
Reacting to the death, Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong, described Azi’s death as a “painful and devastating loss” to his family and the Plateau political community.
Lalong recalled Azi’s role during his administration and described him as a dependable political associate who contributed to governance and policy-making in the state.
“Rt. Hon. Azi was a trusted political ally and a committed member of the All Progressives Congress,” Lalong said.
He described Azi as a politician known for humility, loyalty and commitment to serving people at the grassroots.
Azi served as Speaker during part of Lalong’s tenure as governor and took part in legislative activities supporting the administration’s programmes.
Lalong, who is also the Chairman of the Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria, said Azi remained active in the organisation and contributed to discussions on good governance and legislative integrity.
“Rt. Hon. Peter Azi was not only a former Speaker and distinguished public servant; he was a brother, a dependable political ally, and a strong member of our political family. His death has left a painful void that will be difficult to fill,” he said.
The former governor extended his condolences to Azi’s family, friends, political associates and the people of Plateau State.
Speaking on behalf of his family, the people of Plateau South and the Conference of Former Speakers, Lalong prayed for God to give the bereaved family the strength to bear the loss and for the deceased to rest in peace.
