The House of Representatives has commenced the process of nominating of its principal officers.
The clerk of the House is currently taking the roll call of Members-elect on the floor.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Senate and House of Representatives are conducting their affairs at the same time, unlike previous inauguration where the Senate elects it’s principal officers after which the clerk would then conduct the same exercise for the lower legislative chamber.
Details later….
Not fewer than three members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from Imo State who were travelling to Abuja for the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on Tuesday died in an auto crash on Monday
TheNewsGuru.com reports the bus Imo APC Members were travelling in had a head-on collision with another bus at Agbor in Delta State, southern Nigeria.
Reports have it that three persons on the bus had been confirmed dead, while others who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to hospitals.
According to reports, two males from the Amaraku community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of the state and a female from the Ogbor community in the same LGA died in an auto crash.
Speaking on the auto crash, APC chieftain, who doesn’t want to be mentioned, said that the victims were the coordinators of the senator-elect for Imo North, Patrick Ndubueze, and the House of Representatives member-elect for Okigwe North Federal Constituency, Mirriam Onuoha.
Barely 24hours to proclamation, ok NE of the leading aspirants for the Speakership of the House of Representatives, Aminu Jaji has denied reports that he has stepped down from the race.
This is coming barely 24hours after two powerful contenders, Hon Aliyu Betara and Hon Abdulaziz Gadgi stepped down for APC anointed candidates.
The lawmaker-elect from Zamfara State stated that consultations are still ongoing with his colleagues to drum support for his ambition.
In a statement by his media office on Monday, he said reports suggesting his exit from the race was an attempt by his opponents to blackmail him.
The statement read, “Jaji is still in the race. We have consulted widely, and our colleagues have shown support.
“The fake news is unconnected with the massive support received in the last few days from Members-Elect across political divides, we urge our opponents to wait and allow members to choose their leaders.
“Ignore fake social media reports. Jaji is experienced, qualified, and competent enough to lead the 10th House of Representatives. Nothing will stop him. He has the blessing of the President and other party bigwigs, while the majority of the members elect are excitedly waiting for the election tomorrow. By God’s Grace, he will win.”
A caucus of serving and former members of the House of Representatives under the auspices of the Faculty Board of Initiatives and the Coalition of South South Community for United Nigeria for Justice and Equity has said that the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Jibrin Barau will provide the balanced diet that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu needs to rejig Nigeria.
Dean, of the Faculty Board lof the Initiatives, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh who made the declaration at a world press conference in Abuja on Monday urged senators-elect to vote for the duo on Tuesday.
“I want to tell my Distinguished Senators-elect that Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Jibrin Barau are the only balanced diet that provide the required legislative impetus for the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu led administration to actualise its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It is on record that Senator Akpabio and Senator Barau have been tried, tested and confirmed competent reliable and efficient. And for one to be Senate president, one needs to be educated and competent and Senator Akpabio’s competence is not in doubt.
“As an experienced and renowned lawyer, Akpabio will being his vast knowledge of law to bear on the running of the Senate. And this is what Nigeria needs at this time. We, therefore call on the distiguished senators-elect to reject Mercantile aspirants and vote for competence and experience”, he stated.
He said with Akpabio as President of the Senate, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will deliver on its campaign promises.
According to him, the 10th Senate, under the leadership of Akpabio, will initiate many reforms that will change the fortunes of the country around.
Eseme, former spokesperson of the House of Representatives in the 6th Assembly said: “What is going on in the National Assembly is very democratic. It has given credence to the fact that the current administration is operating on the platform of democracy.
“When the president called the senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives-elect it was to simply appeal to all of them and they saw reason with him.
“Out of all the people aspiring will not be able to stand side-by-side with Akpabio.
“I have already mentioned the electricity act. Such a reform, it will lead to setting up the legal framework about its implementation.
“States won’t just apply to generate electricity, there has to be a standard process to which that is done because there will be FDI in that aspect.
“There will also be a need to look at the issue of ease of doing business and Nigeria enterprise promotion.”
Ends…
…as all 55 S’south Lawmakers-Elect adopt Abbas/Kalu as consensus candidates
The joint ticket of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as announced by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on May 7th has 290 Reps-elect already in its kitty ahead proclamation on National Assembly tomorrow.
TheNewsGuru.com reports the joint ticket received further boost, following its unanimous adoption by all the 55 elected Representatives from the South-South geopolitical zone.
The adoption which took place at the residence of one of the longest serving members of the House, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, (PDP, Delta) on Sunday night in Abuja has now brought the number of lawmakers backing the ticket to over 290.
The event was witnessed by all members of the Caucus except two, with the Caucus made up of elected legislators from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers respectively.
Addressing the Speakership candidate and his Deputy, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas PhD, and Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu at the meeting, one of the leaders of the Caucuses from the zone, Hon. Unyime Idem from Akwa Ibom stated that the zone has come to a point where it must key into the vision and agenda of the Abbas/Kalu ticket, vigorously promoted by the Joint Task – 10th Assembly Coalition.
Idem, who’s also a zonal coordinator of the Joint Task, a coalition of 8 political parties that won seats in the 10th Assembly, expressed gratitude to his colleagues from the South South for trusting him with the task of conveying their decision to the Joint Task.
“I consider it a great privilege welcoming our incoming Speaker and Deputy by the grace of God. As a coordinator of the Joint Task it gives me pleasure to announce to your Excellencies that we have 55 out 55 members of the South South Caucus who have penned their signatures in support of the joint ticket.
“I therefore want to assure you that we will have the whole 55 as they are going to appear in the chamber on Tuesday to give you 55 votes from the South South geopolitical zone,” Hon. Idem said.
In response to the announcement, the co-chairman of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe), thanked Hon. Idem for his leadership so far in the course of the campaign.
“This 55-over-55 is something we are not surprised, given the level of support we have enjoyed from key members of the Caucus including yourself who have been with us in this journey right from the start.
“As I stand before you, raised by destiny and privilege to steer this ship, I have my elder brothers with me particularly from the South-South such as Hon Kingsley Chinda. I want to say that the zone has paid its due and what’s remaining now is for Hon. TJ Abbas and Kalu to reciprocate at the end of the day. And I want to assure you that by the character of the incoming Speaker and his Deputy, you will not be disappointed,”. Hon. Kumo said.
The Deputy Speakership candidate, Benjamin Kalu expressed gratitude to the zonal Caucus for believing in their struggle to institutionalise a legislature anchored on the principles of equity and inclusiveness, adding that “what we started like a mustard seed has germinated and grown to this level of acceptance and support from our brothers and sisters across the regions of the country.”
“I stand here also as part of the South and I said to myself that getting the South East and South West to endorse us, wasn’t going to be complete for me without having the South South, and thank God the South South has completed the circle by adopting us and we are so very grateful.
“I want to appreciate you for coming in your numbers and you have also invested in this project, invested money-wise even when some people didn’t believe in us then.
“But many notable South South lawmakers have shown great interest and commitment with some appearing on TV to shout it to the world about this project and today we are witnessing the result of that effort,” Kalu said.
The former image maker of the House also spoke glowingly about the character and qualities of his principal, Tajudeen Abbas, saying: “and let me tell you that the man that I will be supporting in the course of the Assembly God willing from Tuesday is a man that I was told is hardworking and I have seen it in this last few weeks. I was told about his detribalised nature, that I have also witnessed. I was told about his ethics and transparency, I have encountered them. All the qualities stated about this man, I have witnessed in his actions.
“And I want to tell you all here today that this is the right man to follow and you will not regret your actions.,” Kalu said, recalling that it was Hon. Abbas’ sterling qualities that inspired his Deputy chairman on the Land Transport Committee, a lawmaker also from the South South to start lobbying retuning members including the immediate past Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, pleading that his chairman, Hon. Abbas be supported to become the next Speaker.
In his words of appreciation to members of the Caucus for unanimously adopting himself and his running mate, Rt. Hon. Abbas PhD acknowledged the pivotal role colleagues from the South South have played in bringing about the idea behind his Speakership ambition.
“I have come here to tonight to say thank you, thank you to people that love me. I have been to many regions in the country where I’ve been shown love, but that which I have experienced from the South South in the course of this journey has been something else.
“I can mention so many names who have stood by me right from day one including my deputy chair of the committee. And I want to assure you that I will not take this generousity and solidarity for granted,” he said.
…as 55 Reps-elect of the entire south south endorse Abass
The major reason and circumstances surrounding why Hon Aliyu Betara dumped his speakership ambition has emerged.
TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports Betara after an exhaustive consultation with critical stakeholders in his geo-political zone and key political acolytes finally decided to abide by the position of APC.
Before now according to sources close to the Borno born lawmaker there was immense pressure on him to allow APC anointed candidates sail through.
One of the sources told TNG under the condition of anonymity that: Betara as at yesterday (Saturday) was invited to Aso Rock for further consultations and as a loyal party man he obliged without complaints.
This is just as 55 Reps-elect in the entire south south zone late Sunday night endorsed Abass.
“Even immediately the president won the election, he invited him to France where he equally persuaded him not to overlook the position of the party.
“He still came back home and held further consultations on the way forward and considered reviewing the zoning arrangements.
“The man loves his party he can’t be one of those rocking the boat of a new government.
Another close source revealed that”Betara has towed the right direction and very soon others will step down as there’s the possibility of a consensus candidate emerging is already unfolding.
In a related development late Sunday night, 55 Reps-elect of the entire south south endorsed the Abass/Kalu ticket.
The coast is beginning to be cleared for an Abass to emerge on Tuesday as Betara who is firmly rooted in the House politics has joined the winning team.
See photos below when Betara endorsed Abass:
Ahead proclamation on Tuesday Hon. Ali Isah representing Balange-Biliri Federal Constituency of Gombe state has emerged as the consensus candidate for the position of Minority Whip as Zoned to the North by the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Minority caucus for the 10th Assembly
The event was officially endorsed by 49 members in attendance with Hon. Beni lar from Plateau and Hon Laori komati from Adamawa as contestants.
This was contained in a communique issued by the Northern PDP Caucus and signed by the members to be presented to the party
According to the northern caucus, this became imperative to guide the next Speaker of the 10th House particularly the minority leadership slot.
The communique also stated that other zones of the minority Caucus will hold same shadow election separately.
Top contender for the speakership position in tenth Assembly, Aliyu Betara has stepped down for Hon Tajudeen Abass.
TheNewsGuru.com reports the coast is fast getting clearer for a consensus candidate on Tuesday.
Also, Hon Hon Yusuf Gadgi another strong contender has formally stepped down for Abass.
Details shortly…
Ahead Tuesday NASS proclamation, former Governor of Edo State, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor has advised lawmakers-elect to respect the decision of their political parties while casting their votes.
The two-term lawmaker gave this advice in a chat with journalists in Abuja stating that this will go a long way in making their parties have adequate confidence in them in pursuing the manifestos of their parties as lawmakers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The professor of law hinged his position on the fact that it will be out of place for a newly elected member of NASS not to respect the decision of a party that sponsored him.
Hear him:
Asked whether if he was newly elected member what would he have done, Osunbor said: ” Yes! I respect party decisions because if you do not respect party decision then there will be problems. It is only fair that once the party has come out to say this is the position that all conscientious party members should adhere.
“Well, that is important. The party has the responsibility to guide its members that is why it is a party. We don’t yet have independent candidates, at least none of the persons elect either in the House of Reps or Senate is independent. They were all sponsored by political parties.
“And I think having just emerged under the platform of a political party, they must not just immediately disregard directives from their political party; it is too soon in my view for anybody to say to his party, we are not going to listen to you, I am here on my own basis, I won’t listen to you as a political party, I don’t think that will be very responsible behaviour.
“They were sponsored by political parties and the reasons they were sponsored is that they will go and implement the programmes and policies of the party; for you to now get there, the very first test you fail it, I don’t think it portends well for our democracy.
“But having said that, as I told them during the induction programme, at the end of the day, every senator sitting there on that day will have his or her conscience to direct how he or she will vote.
“The party is not going to bring a hammer or a gun and put it on anybody’s head, the same thing with the members of the House of Reps. Ultimately it will be their decision but the party has a duty, indeed a responsibility, to point the way to its members in the national assembly.
…will president Tinubu openly endorse candidates?
…180 lawmakers-elect to decide who emerges as speaker
…Yari’s underground moves threatens anointed candidates
… subtle threats from north
As Nigerians patiently wait for the next leaders of the National Assembly in the next 48 hours, the ghost of the 2015 Assembly elections seems to be lurking around the corner.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s attempt to prove himself as a true democrat in 2015 was properly rubbished by lawmakers as they voted according to the dictates of their conscience. The Senate produced an APC president supported by a PDP deputy president.
TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) in this analysis will x-ray the past and the shape of things to come in the next 48hours as lawmakers-elect pick their leaders.
2015 definitely will rear its ugly head if the APC fails to adequately micro-manage the present situation or better still microwave it to produce a heavily lopsided NASS in 2023.
In the same 2015, Ahmad Lawan and Femi Hakeem Gbajabiamila were the crowned candidates of the APC, the party microwaved the situation and got its fingers properly burnt.
Still on the memory lane of 2015, Femi Gbajabiamila was the anointed candidate of the APC and lawmakers-elect still poophooed the arrangements as Yakubu Dogara that was not crowned miraculously emerged as speaker winning with just eight votes.
By 2019, Buhari had learnt his lesson as he openly endorsed his NASS candidates 48hours before his proclamation.
The question boggling the minds of most critical stakeholders is whether president Tinubu will openly endorse the party candidates considering the fact that the permutations and configurations are different this time around. APC those not have an overwhelming majority like in the previous assemblies.
Configurations of Senators-elect in the tenth NASS:
The strongest opposition political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has 36 senators-elect, the Labour Party (LP), has eight members, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have two members each.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Young Peoples Progressive Party (YPP) also have one member each.
APC has majority with 59 Senators-elect.
Definitely whoever controls the votes of the opposition parties will produce the next Senate President. The governors bloc in the Senate has an overriding role to play if APC can break their rank.
HoR:
The ruling APC has 177 members-elect while six opposition parties have 182 reps-elect combined. This has changed the political permutations and narrative of 2023. Unlike in 2019 that APC had 162 Reps-elect the situation out there now is that the opposition parties have the greater majority.
This singular development has led to the formation of different power blocs producing different coalitions that’s heavily threatening the ruling party.
Despite this development, the APC can still turn the table around by ensuring that a free playing level pitch is created by trying to collapse all the coalitions into one body and deliver its anointed candidates.
But it’s a difficult task in the House because most returning members are still nursing wounds sustained during and after the House leadership emerged. There’s urgent need to properly heal those wounds and allow sweet breeze to ventilate before proclamation on Tuesday.
Those in the forefront in the House are no pushovers. A Tajudeen Abass with a towering credentials heavily backed by the APC leadership. The Headboy from Borno, Aliyu Betara that has sympathy from his colleagues because of his fatherly role in their various endeavours can never be a pushover.
An Idris Wase that was begged to accept deputy speaker in 2019 and strongly believing that there was a prophecy backing his possibility of becoming speaker after being a deputy.
Others in the speakership race just want to bear the name of a contender nothing else. They will definitely bow to pressure.
In the Senate it may just be a straight fight between the most uncommon former Minister and uncommon governor, Godswill Akpabio and former Governor of Zamfara Abdulaziz Yari who has been releasing salvos from underground.
As for the weeping Senator Orji Kalu if he’s still in the race would have helped to shove aside anointed candidates but he is said to be a very faithful party man.
In the House, there are 358 Reps-elect, two seats are vacant due to the passage of a member who passed on after emerging in his Taraba constituency, the other vacant seat is that of a Cross River constituency that was declared inconclusive by INEC.
What’s at stake is 180 Reps-elect that are needed to produce the next speaker instead of the traditional 181 Reps-elect based on 360 House membership.
Conclusion, two possibilities that could change the present situation which are one: If president decides to openly endorse APC anointed candidates which could turn out positively or negatively. Two: If he decides to look the other way and allow the forces work according to the dictates of the lawmakers-elect. This too could turn out positively but anybody could emerge.
He has met with all the contenders, by now he should know their mindsets. A Yari could pull a surprise and a Betara can upstage all political permutations.
Tinubu should not be in a hurry to undermine the subtle threats of the north demanding for the positions of presiding officers in the National Assembly. There’s no smoke without fire.