Chotisuh Sazo

Kohima, March 14: Former parliamentary secretary for social welfare and women’s development Chotisuh Sazo was unanimously elected Speaker today— the first day of the first session of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly at the Assembly hall.

Addressing the House after assuming the Speaker’s chair, Sazo said it would be his earnest endeavour to ensure that the rights and privileges of all members are protected. He expressed gratitude to the members for having faith in him and electing him to the chair.

He said the time at the disposal of the House is precious and, therefore, the deliberations should be conducted with decorum, decency and dignity. He also assured the members that he would be impartial. Leader of the House and chief minister Neiphiu Rio, in his felicitation speech, assured the newly elected Speaker of the treasury bench’s support.

While lauding the commendable reputation of the highest standard of decorum which the Naga Legislative Assembly has maintained, Rio expressed hope that under the stewardship of Sazo, new standards of parliamentary decorum would be achieved.

He lauded Sazo as a person with high credentials and vast experience as a former government officer and later as a parliamentary secretary.

While acknowledging that Sazo was elected by the people as a Naga People’s Front candidate, Rio said the newly elected Speaker should be impartial.

The leader of the Congress Legislative Party, Tokheho Yepthomi, in his felicitation speech also expressed confidence that Sazo would set fine examples for future Houses to emulate.

Referring to his own experiences as a legislator since 1993, Yepthomi said Sazo is the fifth Speaker during his tenure as a member adding that if the Speaker maintains impartialitya House discussion becomes lively.

He expressed hope that the Speaker would treat everyone on an equal footing, thereby upholding the tradition and dignity of the House.

Sazo was elected from 18 Chazouba constituency in Phek district.

All the elected members today took oaths before pro tem Speaker Namri Nchang, signed the roll of members and took their seats in the Assembly.