Abbas Appoints Dan-Azumi As Chief of Staff

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, has approved the appointment of Prof Jake Dan-Azumi as his chief of staff.

In a press statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, he said the appointment takes effect from October 17, 2023.

Dan-Azumi takes over from Mr Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart, the acting chief of staff to the speaker, who is taking another appointment.

Smart became the acting chief of staff to the speaker of the 10th House of Representatives following the expiration of his tenure as the chief of staff to former speaker Femi Gbajabiamila in the 9th Assembly.

Until his appointment, Dan-Azumi was the technical assistant to the director-general, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), National Assembly.

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 Senate President David Mark, between 2011 and 2014.

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.