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Tag: Gbajabiamila

  • NASS: Four Speaker contenders step down for Gbajabiamila

    •Wase, Betara, Namdaz, Buba forego ambition for Gbajabiamila
    •Senate rules slippery, House Standing Orders give Gbajabiamila edge
    •Wase likely for Deputy Speaker amidst Christian-Muslim rivalry

    PAST SPEAKERS

    • Sir Frederic Metcalfe—1955- 19592.

     

    • Jaja Wachuku (NCNC) (First indigenous Speaker of the

    House of Reps in Nigeria)1959-1960 —Aba Division, Abia

     

    • Ibrahim Jalo Waziri (NPC) 1960-1966 –Gombe/Kwami/

    Funakaye Federal Constituency, Gombe State

     

    • Edwin Ume- Ezeoke (NPN) 1979-1983—-Nnewi North/

    South/Ekeusigo Federal Constituency, Anambra State

     

    • Chacha Biam (NPN) 1983—-Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo

    Federal Constituency, Benue State

     

    • Salisu Buhari (PDP) 1999-2000—–Nasarawa Federal

    Constituency, Kano State

     

    • Ghali Umar Na’Abba (PDP) 2000-2003 —-Kano Municipal

    Federal Constituency, Kano State

     

    • Aminu Bello Masari (PDP) 2003-2007—–Malumfashi/

    Kafur Federal Constituency, Katsina State

     

    • Patricia Etteh (PDP) (First female Speaker of the House of

    Reps)2007–Ayedaade/Isokan/Irewole Federal

    Constituency, Osun State

     

    • Dimeji Bankole (PDP) 2007-2011 —-Abeokuta South

    Federal Constituency, Ogun State.

     

    • Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (PDP) 2011-2015—-Kebbe/

    Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Sokoto State

     

    • Yakubu Dogara 2015 till date APC/PDP —-Bogoro/

    Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal constituency, Bauchi State

     

    PAST DEPUTY SPEAKERS

    • Dr. Idris Ibrahim Kuta (Bida/Gbako/Katcha, Federal

    Constituency, Niger State)—1979-1983.

     

    • Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam
      Federal Constituency, Kano state)—-1992-1993.

     

    • Chibudom Nwuche (Ahoada West/Ogba

    EgbemaFederal Constituency, Rivers State)-1999-2003.

     

    • Austin Opara (Port Harcourt 11Federal Constituency,

    Rivers State )— 2003-2007

     

    • Babangida Nguroje (Gashaka/Kurmi/Sardauna,

    Federal Constituency, Taraba State)–une 2002-Oct 2007

     

    • Usman Bayero Nafada (Dukku / Nafada Federal

    Constituency, Gombe)—Oct 2007-June 2011

     

    • Emeka Ihedioha (Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal

    Constituency, Imo State)–June 2011-2015.

     

    • Yussuff Lasun (Irepodun/Olorunda/Osogbo/Orolu

    Federal Constituency, Osun State)— 2015-2019.

     

     

    The route to the Speakership of the 9th House of Representatives seems to be getting smoother for Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Surulere, Lagos State).

    Four of his co-contestants for the position have pulled out of  the race for him ,The Nation gathered yesterday.

    But two others are still in the contest with him.

    The battle for the Senate Presidency remains a three-way affair for Dr. Ahmad Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Alhaji  Danjuma Goje and a former Senate Leader, Alhaji  Ali Ndume.

    Sources said Idris Ahmed Wase (Plateau), Abdulrazak Namdas (Adamawa), Aliyu Betara Mukhtar  (Borno), and Yusuf Yakubu Buba (Borno) have stood down their ambition for Gbajabiamila who is favoured by the APC hierarchy for the job.

    Umar Mohammed Bago (Niger) and John Dyegh (Benue) are yet to withdraw from the race.

    Although Wase has been adopted for the office of Deputy Speaker, he faces a fresh hurdle from the camp of   outgoing Speaker Yakubu Dogara which is demanding the slot for a Christian candidate.

    But some members-elect are insisting that religion should not be a factor for Wase because, according to them, there had been a Christian-Christian mandate in the House in the past.

    They said merit and capacity, rather than religion, should be the overriding factor.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the withdrawal of the four ranking Reps for Gbajabiamila is a fallout of  ongoing negotiation between  the  Gbajabiamila camp and critical stakeholders in the chambers.

    A source called it a major breakthrough in the quest to install Gbajabiamila as the next Speaker.

    The four have also agreed to join forces to work for Gbajabiamila whose party (APC) has over 226 of the 360 members-elect.

    Gbajabiamila, who also has associates in PDP, needs about 181 votes (if there is a full house of elected members) to emerge as Speaker.

    A well-placed  source  said: “So far, the campaign for the office of the Speaker is taking  a good shape for Gbajabiamila with the withdrawal of these four heavyweights from the race.

    “We are however not taking things for granted. There is a little relief in the APC camp because the PDP appears not keen any more for the office of Speaker because of the intense lobbying from Gbajabiamila’s friends, associates and strategists.

    “About three weeks to the election of principal officers, most PDP lawmakers-elect are still awaiting directive on who to vote for. Instead of losing out, some of them have decided to align with Gbajabiamila to be in good stead for the House politics.

    “Notwithstanding, the campaign team of Gbajabiamila has sustained its outreach by paying more attention to his sterling legislative qualities than sentiments around his recommendation for the office by the party.

    “We have spent quality time to clarify the godfather allegation being circulated to prove that Gbajabiamila is a cosmopolitan candidate.”

    On Umar Mohammed Bago and John Dyegh who are still in the race, another source – a returning Rep – said: “The APC and its leaders at all levels are trying to prevail on these two candidates to step down. We will still take advantage of the next three weeks to lobby them accordingly.

    “We are hopeful that they will defer to the APC and concede the slot to Gbajabiamila.

    “Alternatively, if all entreaties fail, we will go ahead for outright election between Gbajabiamila and the two candidates. We know their limit but we are only appeasing them to have a united House.

    “Take the case of Bago, he does not enjoy the backing of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and all members-elect from Niger State. His best bet is to face the reality of the futility of his aspiration.

    “In the case of John Dyegh, he is the only elected member of the House from Benue State. Where does he draw his electoral strength from? We cannot afford to ignore him but he has not come to terms with the pervasiveness of the ongoing intrigues in favour of Gbajabiamila.”

    Responding to a question, the source admitted that although Wase has been adopted for the office of Deputy Speaker, he faces a fresh hurdle from the camp of outgoing Speaker, Yakubu Dogara which wants a Christian for the position.

    “Some forces are trying to give religious colouration to the race for the office of Deputy Speaker to stop Wase but the parliament is not made for such sentiments,” he said.

    “We are always broader in our perspectives. Of the 12 Speakers we have had six were   Christians and six were Muslims. They all came on merit without religious imputations.

    “The Deputy Speakers so far have been eight with five Muslims and three Christians without animosity. Many political factors, including zoning by parties, interplay more than ethno-religious indices.  We hope those promoting religious division in the legislature will stop it.

    “Wase has sacrificed by stepping down for Gbajabiamila despite the fact that he is also a strong candidate for the Speaker slot. We will not allow mischief-makers to whip up religious sentiments.”

     

    It’s still Lawan,Goje, Ndume for Senate Presidency

    The story is a bit different in the Senate where ex-Governor Danjuma Goje and a former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume have refused to step down for Dr. Ahmed Lawan.

    There are fears that should  Goje and Ndume continue to be  adamant, they could split the votes of  APC Senators-elect and  pave the way for the emergence of a Senate President from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    PDP, which has 46 out of 108 Senators-elect, is waiting in the wings for a major crack in APC to determine the next Senate President.

    Lawan group on the other hand is making an inroad into the PDP to be able to get a simple majority.

    While the Senate rules say a Senate President can emerge with a simple majority of the votes cast during the election of principal officers, the House of Representatives Standing Orders require a candidate for Speaker or any office to have half of the votes of the number of members-elect at the inaugural session.

    A Senator-elect from North-West said: “Both Goje and Ndume have continued with their campaign although that of Ndume has been more obvious.

    “So far, Ndume appears determined to see through the election on the floor on the inauguration day.

    “In spite of the fact that Goje has not set up a structure, we know he has a ready-made platform he might use if he eventually makes up his mind to defy APC directive.

    “We are not deterred at all. Where we should accord the ex-governor respect, Lawan has done so. The Senate leader met Goje about two weeks ago at the wedding of his daughter. Some emissaries, including ex-governors, have also had audience with Goje on behalf of Lawan.

    “As for Ndume, he has  drawn the battle line from the beginning but even at that some governors have interfaced with him to allow Lawan to be.”

    A governor who is involved in some talks with Goje, said: “We are still persuading the former governor to allow Lawan to have his way. Typical of lobbying in any legislature, he came up with a few issues which are resolvable.

    “I will not tell you the issues/ grouses/ terms as may be applicable. We think we can mutually agree on a few things and keep our house in order for a smooth 9th Senate.”

     

     

     

  • Reps Speaker: South East group backs Gbajabiamila

    A group, South East Consultative Initiative, (SECI) has backed the candidature of Femi Gbajabiamila for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives. It said the current Leader of the House has all it takes to oversee a viable and responsive House of Representatives required to take the country to the next level. The group stated this in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Nnaji Paschal and Secretary, Dr. Offia Sunday on Saturday in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital.

    The group also dissociated itself from the Speakership ambition of Mr. Emeka Nwajiuba. Nwajiuba defeated incumbent Chike Okafor to clinch the Ehimembano/ihitte Uboma/Obowo /Okigwe South Federal Constituency seat. Nwajuba got his certificate of return Monday in Abuja from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He was a member of the House between 1999 and 2003 making him a ranking member. But SECI argued that Nwajiuba is not a member of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and thus should not be given the position.

    The group described Gbajabiamila as a team player and selfless politician with the requisite knowledge to pilot the affairs of the 9th House of Representatives. “The humane and selfless way he took his failed bid for the plum job in 2015 is still fresh in our minds. He humbed himself to take the House Leader position and worked harmoniously with Speaker Yakubu Dogara and by so doing reunited the House. We feel that having made such sacrifice for the interest of peace and development of the House and the country at large, it is now time for his colleagues to reward him for his sacrifices by electing him to lead them.”

  • ‘Why we want Gbajabiamila as Speaker’

    House of Representatives member-elect for the Akoko Northeast/Nortwest Constituency in Ondo State, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is also the Chairman of the ‘First-Time Members Forum’ of the Ninth National Assembly. He speaks with tolulope daramola on the proposed election of principal officers.

    What led to the formation of the ‘Forum of First-Time Members-Elect’ and what is your population?

    I will start with the second part of the question. For the All Progressives Congress (APC) and our allied members, we are now 203. We came up with the idea of coming together as a bloc in order to ensure that national interest is protected when discussing issues in the House of Representatives. We are not comfortable with so many things that happened in the 8th National Assembly. We are not saying that they have not done well but we believe that the Ninth National Assembly should be able to do better. We also came together as a forum to ensure that the right leadership is put in place. We want the leadership that would meet the aspirations of the people and the hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress which has the majority seats in the House.

    Is it fair that the Southwest, which produced the Vice-President, should be jostling for the Speaker of the House of Representatives when other regions have nothing?

    Politics in Nigeria has always been played based on the North and South considerations. Geo-political zones like the North-Central, North-East and the North-West are part of the northern region while the South-East, South-West and the South-South are part of the southern Nigeria. There are two key presiding officers’ positions in the National Assembly. The first is the Chairman of the National Assembly, who is also the President of the Senate. That position has been zoned to the North. Naturally, the Vice-Chairman, who is also the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has to go to the South for equity, justice and fairness. Having zoned the position of the Speaker to the South, I think the party looked at its strength in the three geopolitical zones there. The APC has four members in the South-East, nine in the South-South, but we have 50 in the South-West. The party, after a thorough job, settled for the region with the highest number of elected members in the South to produce the Speaker. Now that the party has agreed that the South-West should produce the Speaker, the leaders then considered the issue of ranking, competence and reward for loyalty. That was why Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila was picked for the top job. I don’t think anybody with a pure heart should go against the decision of the party.

    What assurance do you have that all newly elected APC members in the Ninth House of Representatives are happy with the Speaker coming from the Southwest?

    We have been engaging our colleagues across the geopolitical zones in discussions. Politics is about dialogue and negotiations. We have been doing this and the results have been very fruitful. By the grace of God, we have the support of our members from other geopolitical zones. Everybody is tired of the executive-legislative fight and we want our country to move forward in peace. Patriotic Nigerians from all divides will not hesitate to support the project that would take Nigeria to the next level.

    Many Nigerians argue that micro-zoning the presiding officers to individuals is nothing but imposition. How do you view this?

    There is nothing new in what the APC is trying to do. This is the way it is being done all over the world. We have to separate the party from the executive. All legislators are members of the party; members of the executive arm of government are also members of the party. Nigerians voted for the party not for any individual. There is nothing wrong in the leadership of the party, coming together to look at the credentials of its qualified members in the legislature and come up with the best candidates that would help it to actualise its manifesto with relevant legislations in the National Assembly. If the Speaker performs well, it is to the advantage of the party. In any democracy, the party is stronger than the government because the head of government is meant to implement the policies and manifesto of the party. In this case, the party is trying to put its house in order so that it will be able to come up with great policies and programmes that would be beneficial to Nigerians. We don’t want to give excuses for our inability to get certain things right. That is why we want to address any form of hindrance right from the legislature. I don’t think that any member-elect has been able to surpass or equal the performances of Gbajabiamila since he got elected into the federal parliament. What he also has working for him is that he is loved by all members of the House across party lines and geopolitical zones.

    Many anti-Gbajabiamila lawmakers-elect alleged that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu wants him as the Speaker to boost his presidential ambition in 2023. What is your reaction?

    I cannot speak for our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. But, the question I will ask those saying that is, has Asiwaju come out in any medium to declare his presidential ambition? Let the time come.

    Why is your camp actually scared of a secret ballot method to elect presiding officers of the National Assembly?

    Our camp is not against secret ballot. What we are simply telling Nigerians is that the electorate deserves to know how their members vote. As an elected member of the House, I am not representing myself, but a federal constituency. I think we have to bring the issue of secrecy in the election of principal officers of the National Assembly to an end. Why should the nation spend fortunes to mount electronic voting devices in the chambers when we will not make use of them? We need to really open the National Assembly to Nigerians. Nigerians must know how the representatives voted on all issues including motions, bills and election of the presiding officers. That is the essence of representation. That is democracy. If you take the people out of democracy, then there is no democracy. The current rules of the House provide for open (electronic) voting and secret (ballot) methods. We are saying that electronic voting is better because it is faster and transparent.

    Some Nigerians are saying that you are probably scared that some APC lawmakers may not support Gbajabiamila, hence your insistence on open ballot. How true is this?

    With due respect, I take exception to the word ‘coerce’ that you use here. There is no act of coercion. The party did not coerce anybody. This is a family affair. We have our ways of resolving issues. The National Chairman of our party is a former union leader. Crisis resolution and management is a core part of his act of competence. We have mechanisms to sort our issues as a party. We will go into the election as a united front. We are not demanding open voting out of fear. We have nothing to fear because we know that we are in the majority. We are only promoting accountability because our people must know who we vote for.

    What will your group do if the National Assembly management decides to conduct an open-secret poll, like it did in 2015?

    We will win by the grace of God, regardless of the voting method adopted. We know that the National Assembly management is sensitive to the yearnings of the majority. I want to believe that the management, led by the Clerk, will not do anything that will jeopardise the interest of Nigerians because they deserve to know and should be informed about the position of their representatives on all issues in the House, starting with the election. I trust the integrity of the management of the National Assembly to listen to the yearnings of the majority of the members-elect, who are the major actors. If we say this is the method we want, I see no reason why the management will go against our position. I am very optimistic that the management will do the needful.

    APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole said your party does not need the support of the PDP to elect presiding officers  or to even run the parliament. Do you agree with him?

    It is true that the APC has the majority in the House but I think we have to carry everybody along. By the grace of God, we are looking forward to having the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria. We will not only carry the PDP members along, but also members of other political parties who are in the minority in the House. We need everybody on board. We need to put our differences aside and work for this country.

    Don’t you think that the independence of the federal parliament will be compromised with the emergence of the anointed candidates of the APC as presiding officers?

    We cannot talk of the independence of an arm of government. We can also talk of democracy without the interdependence of the arms of government. I don’t think the independence of the legislature would be compromised if the party candidates emerge as presiding officers. It depends on the character of the person that is being elected. Gbajabiamila has the interest of Nigeria at heart. He is ready to work with the executive. He is not ready to fight with the executive. At the same time, we are not ready to be rubber stamp. We need to put our foot on the ground on many issues, for the benefit of Nigerians. It was the same speaker (Aminu Masari) who was supported by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that also ruled against the plan to seek a third term in office for the (former) president. That the president is supporting excellence, integrity, track records, and performance does not mean that he is expecting a rubber stamp legislature. President (Muhammadu) Buhari believes in dialogue, negotiations and separation of powers. At the same time, we don’t need to be antagonistic to be independent as a legislature. We can work with the executive effectively without compromising our independence and Gbajabiamila is well equipped to do that efficiently. Nigerians are interested in better life, not an executive-legislative rift that would bring nothing to their tables.

  • Gbajabiamila: Let him speak

    OUR first serious encounter was in 2011. I had just returned to Nigeria fresh from six months of academic research at Oxford University under the auspices of the Reuters Journalism Fellowship.

    I dropped by Bourdillon to inform Asiwaju Tinubu that I was back and to thank him for his support through the years and understanding as I pursued this academic goal. Even through my investigative journalistic years I enjoyed great support from.

    After some friendly banter and political arguments, I told Asiwaju that I intended to enroll n a full time Doctorate program. Needling me in jocular fashion, Asiwaju kept laughing and challenging me to explain why a PhD was necessary.  We debated back and forth. At some point during the conversation, Hon. Gbajabiamila breezed into the room and quickly contributed to the conversation showing practical but profound insight.  He declared that education was required and he supported my quest. He even stated that such an experience in an institution such as Oxford would indeed be excellent. However, he postulated, there was no need for me to leave where I now was if my goal was to further my education. Gbajabiamila offered that I could get the best PhD in politics simply by working for Asiwaju.  It was a counsel well timed. The minute I heard him speak, I knew what he said was correct and wise just like Asiwaju counseled. I accepted this counsel because there was no better advice to have been given. I have no regrets and there is not a moment that I do not thank Asiwaju and of course Hon. Gbajabiamila for their timely and sage intervention that set me on an exciting full political immersion that culminated in the dislodgement of the PDP political behemoth by the APC political coalition.

    As a journalist with nearly 3 decades of experience I have followed Hon. Gbajabiamila’s career before this encounter.  He has always been known to have a way with words. His legal background stood him in good stead.  The man is articulate and urbane yet can be straightforward and piercing if the situation mandates such directness. He recalls to mind the Cicero of Esa Oke, Chief Bola Ige.

    Over the years Gbajabiamila has grown to be the consummate lawmaker. Fair and objective. Principled and committed to progressive ideals that would better the lives of the average person. Blessed with a sharp intellect, this man has learned and studied the craft of lawmaking and governance. He is that rare combination of experience and ability that beckons greater responsibility and leadership.

    Given the challenges that face our nation and understanding the present situation in the National Assembly, the times require that a man with special ability and character step forward to become the Speaker of the House.  The man of the hour in this regard is Gbajabiamila. It is time to allow him to lead the house so that it can truly represent the people and fashion legislation on their behalf and to their benefit.

     

     

  • Buhari mobilises governors for Lawan, Gbajabiamila

    President Muhammadu Buhari has mobilised the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors behind the party’s candidates for Senate president and House Speaker.

    He has asked the governors to work for the emergence of Ahmad Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila as Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker in the Ninth National Assembly.

    The governors are expected to meet with the National Assembly members-elect to smoothen the way for Lawan’s and Gbajabiamila’s election at the inauguration of the Senate and the House in June. They are to push for unity and consensus in the emergence of Lawan and Gbajabiamila.

    In line with the President ‘s directive, APC governors in the Southwest will tomorrow meet with the House of Representatives members-elect in Abuja.

    According to investigation by our correspondent, the President and the APC opted  for zonal consultations to ensure a rancour-free inauguration and to block the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from hijacking Assembly the leadership.

    It was also learnt that the six geopolitical zones may use the opportunity to agree on the candidates for the offices allotted to them in the APC power sharing formula.

    Under the formula, the Northeast is to produce the Senate President; Deputy Senate President (Southsouth); Senate Leader (Northcentral); Chief Whip (Southeast/ Southwest) and Deputy Chief Whip (Southwest / Southeast).

    Besides the Speaker, the party is yet to release the details of zoning in the House because of challenges in some zones.

    A top  source said: “The President and the APC leaders are not taking things for granted. All APC governors have been advised to take charge and unite National Assembly members-elect at the zonal level.

    “We want senators-elect and House members-elect to come for the inauguration of the National Assembly ready to work for the interest of the party.

    “Apart from resolving issues surrounding principal offices zoned to the six geopolitical zones, our Senators and members of the House would be in a position to assist the President in ensuring the election of Lawan and Gbajabiamila.

    “The essence of the consultations by the governors is to keep APC intact, ensure party supremacy  and checkmate the opposition PDP which is desperate to infiltrate the ranks of the new Senators and House members.

    “If we are able to overcome challenges at the zonal level on principal officers, we will be more focused for the battle for the Senate President and the Speaker.”

    Responding to a question, the source said: “Out of the six zones, we have a major challenge in the Northwest, especially Kano where we have heavyweights (returnee House members) seeking juicy principal offices in the Lower Chamber.

    “With the President coming from Katsina, our leaders in Kano State want to have all the offices zoned to the Northwest. This is why consensus is necessary at zonal level.”

    On tomorrow’s Southwest governors, meeting with House members-elect in Abuja, another source added: “We want to speak with one voice unlike the situation in 2015 when Southwest lawmakers betrayed Gbajabiamila. The meeting, which will take place in Ekiti Governor’s Lodge will set the template for amicable sharing of offices likely to be zoned to the Southwest.”

    At the weekend in Abuja, APC National Vice Chairman in the Northcentral Ahmed Suleiman Wambai explained why the President and the party settled for Lawan and Gbajabiamila for the Assembly leadership.

    Justifying the party’s position, Wambai identified past experience, excellence and loyalty as ingredients that qualified Lawan and Gbajabiamila for the exalted offices.

    Wambai said the President and other party leaders showed interests in the duo because of their loyalty and vast experience.

    The party, he said,  supported the two to move the country forward.

    He said: “We have not given Ahmed Lawan the position of Senate President because he is from Northeast or Gbajabiamila Speaker because he is from Southwest but based on the performance of the party, their contribution and loyalty.

    “There was a time Mr. President sent budget to the National Assembly and that proposal was kept there for about seven months. This Gbabiamila and Lawan were the ones fighting and because of that, they received a lot of frustration, traumatisation and intimidation from the present leadership of the National Assembly.

    “So, do you think the party and Mr. President should not reward those people? No. We said that despite the fact that the Northwest has the President, the Southwest has the vice president, the Senate President is zoned to the Northeast, Mr. President felt we should reward Femi Gbajabiamila based on the compelling loyalty and his experience.

    “Mr. President prefers these people because of their past experiences. We are not saying that there is nobody in the Northcentral that is qualified. No. But the issue is that there are certain considerations. We fought for the zone to get deputy speaker in the House of Representatives and also Senate Majority Leader in the Senate.”

    On whether the ruling APC put religion balancing into consideration, bearing in mind that both candidates are Muslims, he said: “You do not understand the political dynamism of our country. Do you think if we concentrate on religion this country will move forward? We go for excellence sometime, we go for those people who can key into the project of change and deliver.

    “What do you mean by sensitivity? Between the APC and PDP which party is more sensitive?

    “We should no longer say discriminate against anybody who has something to offer. The moment a nation starts thinking about where someone comes from or the religion he or she practices such a nation is doomed.”

    Told that some Representatives of his members from Northcentral are scheming to take the position of speaker, Wambai said the Southwest should be allowed to produce the Speaker.

    He said: “I share the assertion that things should be given to any region based on their contribution and acceptance of mantra.

    “But in politics, you may not get what you sometimes think is yours because of certain pecuniary reason and expediency. But as far as I am concerned, the consideration should be given based on merit. Having produced the Senate President for the past 12 years, the Northcentral should allow other zones to produce the Speaker since we are not the only zone.

    “Recall that in 2015, the post of Speaker and Senate President were zoned to the Southwest and the Northeast respectively. Ahmad Lawan from the Northeast and Femi Gbajabiamila from the Southwest were favoured but there was internal coup which truncated the process.”

  • 9th NASS: Buhari takes over lobby for Lawan, Gbajabiamila

    • How President met with Lalong, Wase
    • May meet Bago after London trip
    • El-Rufai opens talks with Ndume
    • Southeast APC demands review of zoning arrangements

    President Muhammadu Buhari has personally taken charge of lobbying incoming members of the 9th National Assembly in the bid to install Dr. Ahmad Lawan as the next Senate President and Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    The President, according to well placed sources, is taking nothing for granted this time around to avoid a repeat of the 2015 ‘coup’ when dissenting members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their allies in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hijacked the election process and picked candidates other than those preferred by the ruling party.

    The Nation gathered that shortly before leaving for London on a private visit last week, Buhari took the driver’s seat at meetings with some of the aspirants for the two plum offices.

    He was said to have met Senator Danjuma Goje who enjoys the backing of the opposition PDP, and a member of the House, Ahmed Idris Wase, rated as enjoying wider backing from Reps.

    One source said the President has already sent an emissary to Senator Ali Ndume who has consistently said that the President is yet to discuss with him on his ambition.

    The source said the President plans to meet soon with Umaru Mohammed Bago, who has vowed not to step down for Gbajabiamila.

    A top source who is familiar with the situation said: “Following complaints of imposition, the President has decided to reach out to the main aspirants to explain to them that he is actually the one who is interested in working with Lawan and Gbajabiamila.

    “His determination to leave sustainable legacies has made him to be involved in opening talks with some aspirants.

    “The President is reaching out because there is a lot of disinformation as if he is not personally involved in the demand for Lawan and Gbajabiamila.

    “He is also worried that the election of principal officers is being personalized beyond the actors in the National Assembly.

    “He met with Goje and begged him to support his choice of Lawan. Actually, the meeting with Goje was facilitated by Governor Nasir el-Rufai after preparatory discussion with the former governor of Gombe State.

    “Goje admitted that he had some difficulty and would need to consult more before giving the President any feedback. A second session between the President and Goje is expected any moment from now.”

    Investigation also revealed that the President has indirectly opened talks with a former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume on why he should allow Lawan to be the next President of the Senate.

    It was learnt that Governor el-Rufai has already held discussion with Ndume preparatory to the aspirant’s meeting with Buhari.

    “Apart from the APC governors, the President will have a follow-up meeting with Ndume. But his emissary (el-Rufai) has done preliminary consultations,” a Presidency source said.

    It was similarly gathered that Buhari has met with one of the aspirants for the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase from Plateau State on the need for him to step down for Gbajabiamila.

    Read also: Senate Presidency: Lawan’s kinsmen beg Ndume, Goje to step down

    Buhari met with Wase in company of  Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State. Wase is from the state.

    A source privy to the session said: “The President persuaded Wase to concede the Speaker slot to Gbajabiamila in the light of his second term agenda.

    “He told Wase that although as a ranking member, he is entitled to lead the chamber but he wants to work with Gbajabiamila while Wase can be part of the team of the new Speaker.

    “It was a confidence building session facilitated by an APC governor. But Wase is yet to make any commitment.”

    Group seeks open ballot system to pick Senate President, others

    Meanwhile, a group called Advocates of Good Governance, has launched an initiative for the adoption of the Open Ballot System in election principal officers of the 9th National Assembly.

    The group, in a letter to Senate President Bukola Saraki, said it was dismayed by   information coming from the National Assembly that the leadership of the 9th Assembly will be conducted via a secret ballot process.

    The group said: “We write you this letter as a group of patriotic Nigerians and advocates of Good Governance keenly following political developments and events in our country.

    Continue in page 2

  • Gbajabiamila empowers fish, vegetable farmers

    House of Representatives Leader Femi Gbajabiamila yesterday empowered 210 fish and vegetable farmers drawn in his Surulere Federal Constituency 1 of Lagos State.

    The beneficiaries went home with collapsible fish ponds, fish feeds, start-up capital, bags of fertiliser and insecticides.

    A Lagos State House of Assembly member, Mr Desmond Elliot, who represented Gbajabiamiala, at the event said: “The 210 constituents underwent training and were certified as trained fish and vegetable farmers.

    “This is the first time our people will be benefiting from collapsible fish pond, fish feeds and start-up capital. Our vegetable farmers at Tejuosho, NTA and Babs Animashaun will also receive fertiliser seedlings and herbicides.”

    He urged the beneficiaries not to sell the facilities, but to  use them to earn a living.

    Elliot promised them more projects, more jobs and legislation that would be beneficial to them if Gbajabiamiala becomes Speaker.

    According to him, “if he didn’t discriminate in Surulere, we are sure he will unite the lawmakers in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.”

    He solicited the support of the North Central for Gbajabiamiala “because his wife is from Plateau State.”

    Said he: “We all know that for 16 years to date, the North Central has occupied the seat of Senate president and Chairman of the National Assembly. During this period, we supported them. Now is the time to reward a man who has spent many years in the National Assembly in pursuit of causes that will favour all parts of Nigeria.”

    The ceremony was attended by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Agboola Dabiri; Chairman, Surulere Local Government, Mr Tajudeen Ajide; Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere, Mr S.S. Ajao  and Gbajabiamiala’s mother, Alhaja Latifat.

  • Adamawa APC endorses Lawan, Gbajabiamila for NASS leadership

    The Adamawa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken its stand over which candidates to support to man leadership positions in the incoming ninth National Assembly.

    While revealing its position, the party said it has thrown its weight behind the candidatures of Sen. Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila for the leadership of the national assembly.

    The Organising Secretary of the party, Alhaji Ahmed Lawal, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola, that the decision of the party leadership at the national level to endorse the pair was logical.

    According to him, Lawan is already the Senate Majority Leader while Gbajabiamila is the House Leader.

    “As far as Adamawa APC is concern, the decision of the national leadership of the party is final, hence party supremacy.

    “The endorsement of Ahmed Lawal and Femi Gbajabiamila for national leadership is logical since they are leaders of the APC caucus in the national assembly.

    “All members of the APC irrespective of their status should abide by the decision of our party leadership.

    “Any decision taken by Adams Oshiomhole, and Ahmed Tinubu, who is the national leader of our dear party is in the best interest of the APC in particular and the nation in general.”

  • Southwest youths back Lawan, Gbajabiamila for National Assembly posts

    SOUTH organisations from the six Southwest states have appealed to lawmakers-elect on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to respect and honour the party’s directive on the zoning of the National Assembly leadership posts.

    The organisations, under the aegis of the Congress of Southwest Youths (COSWY), said they deemed it fit to express their position on the emergence of new leaders for the 9th National Assembly as peace-loving members of the society, who would not want the Federal Government of the day distracted.

    Addressing a joint news conference on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Convener, Congress of Southwest Youths, Mr. Ahmed Shomoye, declared support for the party’s leadership choices -Senator Ahmed Lawan as the Senate President and Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House of Representatives for the coming Ninth Assembly.

    Some of the groups in the coalition include Asiwaju Grassroots Foundation, Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, All Progress Youth Forum, National Youth Council of Nigeria and Project Loud among others.

    The groups also urged the APC federal lawmakers to work together as a formidable caucus of progressive people and should not allow desperate lawmakers from other parties to break their ranks.

    Read also: Speakership: Why I stepped down for Gbajabiamila , by Monguno

    They also urged other interested APC lawmakers in the positions to drop their ambition and support the party’s choices.

    Shomoye said: “As the tenure of the 8th Assembly is almost coming to an end and the newly elected federal lawmakers are getting prepared for their inauguration as the 9th Assembly in June, this is the most auspicious time for all critical stakeholders of democratic rule in Nigeria to join forces together and ensure that the shenanigans, which transpired in the 8th Assembly do not, in any way, repeat themselves again.

    “Bringing back the National Assembly to the right side of history would require its next leadership to, as a matter of necessity, comprise of noble men and women, whose strength of character, a wealth of legislative experience, zeal for patriotism and commitment to national progress and unity is not in doubt.

    “The APC lawmakers should ensure the emergence of Senator Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila as the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively in the 9th Assembly in line with the informed preference of President Muhammadu Buhari and the decision of the APC national leadership.”

     

     

     

  • Speakership: Why I stepped down for Gbajabiamila , by Monguno

    The candidacy of the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila as the Speakers of the 9th House got a boost on Thursday as Muhammad Monguno withdrew from the race.

    Monguno, one of the front line contenders, immediately declared support for Gbajabiamila based on the party’s decision and personal conviction.

    Monguno, who is Chairman Committee on Agricultural Productions and Services, said the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) supercedes personal ambitions.

    Besides being an advocate of party supremacy, Monguno said having zoned the Senate Presidency to the Northeast, fairness dictates that House members from the same region should naturally drop their ambition.

    Monguno, who represents Marte/Monguno/Nganzai Federal Constituency of Borno State, said there was no reason to disrespect the party’s decision.

    The lawmaker said Gbajabiamila ranks highest and most qualified among all contenders for the seat being very experienced and the most senior APC member in the House, having spent 16 years in the House since 2003.

    Read Also: My agenda for House of Reps, by Gbajabiamila

    He said: “I believe we should all rally round the party and give them the necessary support. I can’t continue with my ambition because the party has zoned the Senate President’s seat to my zone.

    “I’m a loyal party man and I should be the one to be calling on my colleagues to support the party on this. I decided to drop my ambition and support Femi to emerge.

    “If we’ll tell ourselves the truth, Femi is the most ranking among us, and he knows the job.

    “He has been a Principal officer since 2007. You can see that he has all it takes.

    “He led the opposition as the Minority Leader very well during the 7th Assembly and now we all can see how he has been able to bring us together as APC members in the majority party, being House Leader”.