By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State House of Assembly has held a solemn valedictory session in honour of late Second Republic lawmaker, His Royal Highness (Hon.) Nicholas Selven Musa, Ponzhi Timmwat of Timmwat Chiefdom, who passed away at the age of 92.
The special sitting brought together members of the Assembly, family members of the deceased, traditional rulers and other dignitaries to celebrate a life marked by dedicated public service, exemplary leadership and commitment to community development.
The ceremony featured parliamentary tributes, the reading of the late lawmaker’s biography and other traditional legislative rites in honour of his contributions to the state.
At the beginning of the proceedings, the House Majority Leader, Hon. Joseph Gokum, moved a motion seeking the approval of the House for the portrait of the late lawmaker to be ushered into the Chamber.
The motion was unanimously adopted, following which the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, directed that the portrait be brought into the Chamber as members stood in solemn respect to honour their departed colleague.
The Member representing Langtang North North Constituency, Hon. Abel Nansak Nimchak, later moved a motion seeking the permission of the House to read the biography of the late Hon. Nicholas Selven Musa.
The motion, seconded by the Member representing Wase Constituency, was unanimously adopted.
During the tribute session, lawmakers described the deceased as a dedicated public servant who carried out his responsibilities with diligence, integrity and commitment.
A member representing Langtang North Central Constituency recalled that the late lawmaker was popularly known as “Musa for All” because of his humility, accessibility, fatherly nature and genuine concern for people from all backgrounds.
In his valedictory remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, described Nicholas Selven Musa as a hero and one of the greatest pillars in the history of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
The Speaker said the late lawmaker’s contributions to legislation, traditional leadership and community development had left an unforgettable mark on Plateau State, adding that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
He noted that the death of a former lawmaker represented not only a loss to the immediate family but also a significant loss to the Assembly and the people of Plateau State.
Rt. Hon. Daniel urged the bereaved family to draw strength from the remarkable life, values and enduring legacy of honour, integrity and selfless service left behind by the late royal father.
He also appreciated the widow of the deceased and the entire family for their support throughout his years of service, while praying for God’s comfort and strength for the family, Timmwat Chiefdom and the Taroh nation.
At the end of the valedictory session, Hon. Joseph Gokum moved another motion seeking the approval of the House for the portrait of the late lawmaker to be ceremonially taken out of the Chamber, symbolising the Assembly’s final farewell.
The motion was unanimously adopted, and the portrait was respectfully escorted out of the Chamber.
Late Hon. Nicholas Selven Musa represented the Langtang/Resettlement Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly during the Second Republic from 1979 to 1983.
He later became the Ponzhi Timmwat of Timmwat Chiefdom, where he was recognised as a symbol of peace, justice, unity and selfless leadership.
His remarkable journey as a teacher, administrator, businessman, farmer, legislator and traditional ruler remains a lasting legacy of integrity, humility and visionary service.
The valedictory session served as a reminder of the important roles played by former lawmakers in strengthening democratic governance in Plateau State and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to preserving the memories of those who served with honour and distinction.
