Zhaleo Rio is the new deputy speaker

Kohima Bureau Kohima, March 26 (EMN): Two-time MLA from Ghaspani-II, Zhaleo Rio of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has been elected unopposed as deputy speaker of the 13^th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Monday. Speaker Vikho-o Yhoshü announced that Rio's candidature was proposed by CM Chang and seconded by KT Sukhalu. With Rio being the only member to have filed nomination to contest said post, the speaker declared him elected unopposed. Felicitating the new deputy speaker, Leader of the House, Neiphiu Rio also lauded the members for electing Zhaleo Rio by consensus, according to the highest tradition of the House. He expressed optimism that the House would greatly benefit from the various experiences the deputy speaker elect brought with him in both government and public life. The chief minister pointed out that the role played by the deputy speaker’s chair is of vital importance in the functioning of the House as he would have to carry out the responsibility in conduct of the proceedings of the House in the speaker’s absence, besides the other duties. He acknowledged Zhaleo Rio’s service as a NCS officer in different capacities in different districts before being inducted with an IAS in 1997. Also congratulating Rio, opposition leader TR Zeliang stated that the opposition bench had decided not to field any candidate to respect Rio’s experiences and calibre as a bureaucrat and a second time legislator. “We are happy to make him our deputy speaker,” Zeliang said. He said the opposition bench expects Rio to ensure impartiality and deliver justice to all the members irrespective of political party affiliations. “We assure our cooperation to your chair in conducting the proceedings of the House in a most cordial manner to pave way for an orderly House,” the opposition leader stated. In his acceptance speech, the new deputy speaker thanked all the members for having electing him unopposed to the dignified post. He said the responsibility that has been reposed on him was a solemn task which cannot be fulfilled without the cooperation and assistance from all the members of the House. Towards this, he sought cooperation from each member, with which, he was confident to be able to discharge his duties as expected of him.