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Tag: NASS

  • Speakership race fallout: DS challenges Gbajabiamila openly during plenary

    Speakership race fallout: DS challenges Gbajabiamila openly during plenary

    … Gbajabiamila retorts this is the first time in history a DS is challenging a speaker

    The cold war between the outgoing speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and his deputy, Idris Wase was openly displayed during legislative session on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls that Gbajabiamila had endorsed Hon Tajudeen Abass to replace him as speaker to the chagrin of some lawmakers who considered Abass to be too unpopular to lead the HoR.

    Both principal officers did not hide their hidden angst during plenary over the announcement by the Speaker that the Order Paper for Thursday be made lighter to allow members attend the official Commissioning of the permanent site of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies(NILDS).

    Before adjourning the plenary, the Speaker announced the NILDS permanent site along Airport Road will be commissioned by 3.00pm on Thursday by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He asked the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business to ensure that the order paper was not clouded with the day’s business so that the House can adjourn early enough for the event.

    But Wase fired back saying “Mr. Speaker, the House is not about I, but us”.

    Gbajabiamila first ignored his Deputy, made another announcement before returning to address him saying “DS, I have been in this House like long enough to know that this is the first time in the history of this House that a Deputy Speaker will openly oppose what the Speaker says.”

    Turning to the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Gbajabiamila said: “make the order paper light for tomorrow. This House will adjourn at 2.00pm” while members present at plenary chorused Carried.

    The endorsement of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker of the 10th House has created a sharp division between the Speaker and his Deputy.

    Wase us said to have avoided attending the usual leadership meeting held before plenary everyday, while also shunning the Speaker’s procession to the Chamber.

  • Lawan denies interest in 10th NASS Presidency

    Lawan denies interest in 10th NASS Presidency

    President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has denied media report that he has joined the race for the Presidency of the 10th National Assembly.

    Lawan said this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

    “I have read some media reports that I have joined the race for the Presidency of the 10th Senate.

    “Ordinarily I would not have responded to these reports but when lies are not refuted, they have the tendency to create an illusion of truth.

    “The truth is that I have never told anyone or held a meeting with anyone that I am running for the Presidency of the 10th Senate,so the public should discountenance the reports.

    “The fact remains that I am part of the leadership of our great party, the APC, seeking to find solutions to the numerous issues arising from the contests for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and I will continue to remain focused on that,” he said.

  • Buhari seeks approval for N16.7bn promissory note for Borno

    Buhari seeks approval for N16.7bn promissory note for Borno

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sought the National Assembly’s approval for the issuance of N16.7 billion promissory note to Borno Government as refund for reconstructed federal roads in the state.

    The request is contained in a letter addressed to President of Senate, Ahmad Lawan and read at plenary on Tuesday.

    “Distinguished Senate President may wish to be informed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting of May 3, approved the reimbursement of N16,772,486,002.19 to the Borno Government through the issuance of promissory notes in respect of federal road projects executed by the state.

    “Distinguished Senate President may wish to note that the FEC had earlier approved the reimbursement of N3,084,769,393.63 to Borno State at its meeting of Feb. 1, along with the approval of N6,601,769,470.99 for reimbursement to the Plateau Government.

    “My request for the resolution of National Assembly for the issuance of promisory notes to the two states has already been forwarded to the National Assembly.

    “Distinguished Senate President may wish to note that this approval by FEC for the reimbursement of the additional N16, 772,486,002.19 to the Borno Government was based on an appeal by the state and my directive to the Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure that sufficient funds are provided for the completion of the Damboa/Chibok road based on the current cost of completion of the project,” he said.

    Buhari added: “The FEC’s approval was also subsequent to the recommendation of a cabinet committee which reviewed documents submitted by the state and carried out physical inspection and verification of the projects executed by the state government.

    “In view of the foregoing, I wish to request the senate to kindly consider and approve through its resolution, the reimbursement of N16,772,486,002.19 through the issuance of promissory notes to Borno Government in respect of the road projects executed by the state on behalf of the federal government.

    “The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing would provide any information that may be required by the National Assembly for the consideration of this request.”

  • Speakership: Over 150 Reps members storm APC secretariat in solidarity with Tajudeen Abass candidature

    Speakership: Over 150 Reps members storm APC secretariat in solidarity with Tajudeen Abass candidature

    …as Joint Task team it has garnered 250 votes already

    …..sustain consultation with the aggrieved to calm frayed nerves – Abdullahi Adamu

    Barely three weeks to the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, no fewer than 150 House of Representatives members elect stormed the national secretariat of the ruling All progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with its preferred candidate, Dr Tajudeen Abass.

    Abass, accompanied by members of the Joint task 10th Assembly team during a consultative meeting expressed appreciation to the Sen Abdullahi Adamu led national working committee (NWC) over the decision to nominate him as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    Abbas who represents Zaria federal constituency of Kaduna state on the APC platform reiterated his commitment towards the protection of the interest of the party, the institution of the legislature and the entire country.

    He called on the party leadership not to rest on their oars in replicating the successes recorded in the recently held general elections by delivering the leadership of the 10th National Assembly.

    Kalu who expressed appreciation over his nomination as the Deputy Speaker of the House remarked that the decision would calm frayed nerves in the South East geopolitical zone over the cry of exclusion and marginalisation over the power sharing arrangement in the country.

    He noted: “You sat and did the right thing. I never visited any of you, I never lobbied any of you, I never gave any of you any money, but you sat and picked me to be the DS. That means you were dispassionate about your decision.

    “We are promising you that we will protect the institution. The sovereignty of the Legislature will be upheld but not overlooking inter-dependence of all arms.

    “I pledge that my principal will be given the support to succeed.
    The Southeast is impressed that the party considered us this time around. This shows that the party is diversity sensitive.”

    The Co- Chairman of the Joint Task 10th Assembly, Mr Usman Kumo is upbeat that the duo of Abass and Benjamin Kalu would coast home to victorious with over 250 out of 360 available votes of newly elected members of the House of Representatives.

    Kumo who chairs the House committee on Police Affiars insist that the decision by the party to settle for the duo of Abass and Benjamin Kalu as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives was in tandem with international best practices.

    Kumo said the decision by the party was well thought out as the duo do not only have the right temparament, but have the requisite competence and experience to preside over the affairs of the House of Representatives.

    Assuring that his team would do all within their powers to ensure they emerge victorious, he warned against the repeat of the acrimonious relationship that existed between the legislature and executive arms under the Senator Bukola Saraki led leadership of the national Assembly.

    Kumo who was accompanied by no fewer than 100 members elect drawn from the APC, NNPP, LP, ADC, SDP, APGA assured that the House under the leadership of Tajudeen Abass would sustain the cordial and beneficial working relationship between the executive and legislative arms witnessed within the last four years.

    Said he: “The Joint Task – 10th Assembly is a group of members-elect of the 10th House who came together for the unity of the country and the stability of the House.You people are talent hunters, and you have hunted well.

    “On Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, from 1979 to date, there is no parliamentarian in Nigeria who was privileged to sponsor 74 Bills. What we want to do now is to promote synergy between the Executive and the Legislature. Out of the 74 Bills, 21 were signed into law.

    “The chairman of our party is the number one witness that if you go against your party, you may not represent your people well. We intend to promote this product because we need that synergy and harmonious relationship. Our zonal interventions and constituency projects are implemented 100% under the 9th Assembly because of the good relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.

    “All of us here are more than willing, the ones you see here, others have left for their constituencies after the induction. We would have brought over 250 members-elect here. We are going to ensure that we implement your zoning undiluted 100 percent.”

    Adamu insisted that the decision by the party on the preferred candidates for the national Assembly leadership was arrived at after due consultations with the President -Elect, the NWC members and critical stakeholders of the party across the country.

    He admonished the joint task team to sustain the ongoing consultations with those jostling for the speakership seat and other critical stakeholders of the party to calm frayed nerves over the controversy surrounding the zoning arrangement of the party.

    Abass who later fielded questions reporters after the parley with the APC NWC members dismissed the notion held in certain quarters that the party would reverse it’s decision on the zoning arrangement of principal officers of the national Assembly.

    “To the best of our knowledge, the party is resolute on its earlier decision to sustain the announcement made earlier. We are not aware there’s any change of decision concerning the candidature of my humble self and my colleague from the House of Reps and my colleague in the Senate. There has not been any thing like that to the best of our knowledge.

    On the issue of reaching out, he said: “I can assure you we are doing the best we can. Just a week ago if you have observed three aspirants, one of them is here with us, have come out publicly to declare their support on us.

    ” As we are talking today, I am engaging not less than three other contestants. We are talking and hopeful that at the end of the day we will be able to reach a precise destination.”

    On what should Nigerians expect if he emerge the Speaker of the House, he said: “We are assuring them that case we have recorded in the 9th assembly will not only be sustained but it will be improved. Very soon we are coming with our sixteen-point agenda which will address each and every area we feel Nigeria should have improvement in the legislative chamber, please wait for the document to come out, you will see that Nigeria will move forward come June 13 202.”

  • Speakership: Stop intimidating us with our govs-Reps-elect tell Gbajabiamila, APC

    Speakership: Stop intimidating us with our govs-Reps-elect tell Gbajabiamila, APC

    …we don’t want to wear the uniform of rubber stamp

    …as Greater Majority Forum insists we’ve not endorsed any candidate

    Reps-elect have raised alarm that the outgoing speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and APC leadership are allegedly using their various governors to intimidate them to succumb to the imposition of Tajudeen Abass on them.

    This is just as the Greater Majority Forum on Monday night insisted that no candidate has been endorsed by the coalition.

    Some of the lawmakers-elect who spoke under the condition of anonymity said the APC leadership is using all manners of tactics to ensure that they bow to them via the imposition of an unpopular lawmaker.

    One of such lawmakers from the south west geopolitical zone bared it all saying: ” This imposition won’t work because we have made up our minds not to wear the toga of a rubber stamp like the outgoing ninth Assembly.

    ” It’s imposition that gave birth to a rubber stamp assembly and we are going to fight to a logical conclusion on the floor of HoR.

    “Most of us understand the dynamics of the House and we will slug it out to ensure that the next House is truly independent but will play the role of positively impacting on state affairs that benefits all Nigerians.

    Another vibrant lawmaker from the North Central geo-political zone declared that “the lopsidedness in this tenth NASS will witch-hunt our generations yet unborn if this unholy zoning is allowed to fly.

    “North Central that has the highest number of lawmakers after North West which is at advantage with an extra state was not even considered in the permutations as if we are not part of Nigeria.

    “They’re now using figures and our governors to intimidate us to submission, this is a dangerous trend if it’s not quickly checkmated but we will surprise them.

    Also on Monday, the coalition of Members-elect from seven opposition parties of the House of Representatives, known as “Greater Majority”, said it has not endorsed any candidate for the position of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

    Speaking at the fourth session of the forum in Abuja, the convener, Hon. Frederick Agbedi (PDP Bayelsa State) urged members that there was the need to interact with stakeholders in their various states as well as the parties’ stakeholders to arrive at a decision on the Presiding Officers of the 10th House.

    Hon. Agbedi who inaugurated state coordinators from among the members, explained that they are to meet at their various state levels for the purpose of deciding who to support on June 13 at the inauguration of the 10th Assembly.

    He further said there would also be zonal coordinators, who will also meet at the zonal levels with the various states in collating what decisions that they are going to finally come out with after due consultations.

    He said, “Of course you are aware that in politics, one day, one hour is a long time for a lot of things to happen. And they will keep happening until the 13th of June when we are going to decide who leads us. I want to also say that a number of our colleagues, because they are out of town, sent their apologies. Quite a number called this morning. Some because of flight delays, flight changes and all that. They send their apologies that they are unable to join us, but that they believe in what the Greater Majority is doing and they are part of it.

    “I want to also in welcoming you, say that there are misconceptions, there are misgivings and of course for some of us that were given some honour to be part of those who should pilot the affairs of this group, we will be with you all the way to the end to ensure that we achieve what we desire for the Greater Majority, we achieve what we desire for our constituents and we achieve what we desire for Nigerians.

    “You had quite some briefings in the third session which was held in Frazier Suites and so may not need to go round a number of those issues. But let me quickly say that if we must get it right, if we must do the right thing, if we must actually represent our people, we would need to be guided and to be guided would mean that we need to interact with our leaders in our constituencies. We need to interact with our colleagues from the various states, we need to interact with our parties’ stakeholders and all that in arriving at the decision that would be won for us.

    “Please, your convener and conveners and other leaders have not either on your own behalf or with you adopted anybody for the office of Presiding Officers. Please. That would only take place when that agreement is reached by all of us. That is decision would be our collective decision, but I am even saying that before we get to that decision, we are going to ensure that, for example I come from Bayelsa, I should be able to speak with my governor, I should be able to speak with my party leaders so that whatever I am keying into is with the understanding that my stakeholders are on the same page with me and that is what for some of us we expect of all us to do so that we do not ambush Mr A or ambush Mrs B or ambush Miss C.

    “And so I want to assure you and promise you that we will lead ourselves to arrive at a collective decision and in doing that, we have also resolved that we should have state coordinators who are also going to meet at their different state levels. Eventually we are also going to have zonal coordinators, who will also meet at the zonal levels with the various states in collating what decisions that we are going to finally come out with after due consultations. And that is why we have invited all of us to this meeting, this interaction. So that we all know who and who will coordinate our states and then also who and who would coordinate our zones, so that we leave the responsibility back to you, interact, consult and then we meet again and know the direction to go.

    According to Agbedi, the group had met with the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic party PDP, Umar Damagum; the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, among other stakeholders towards a retreat of the caucus to be held in Uyo, he capital of Akwa Ibom State in June.

    “In addition, we are also going to have a retreat. Of course, about today we would have proceeded for the retreat if not for some slight changes. But tentatively, we are looking at the end of the month to the first one or two days (in June) that will be confirmed by stakeholders. We have spoken to the PDP leadership. We have spoken to the Labour Party leadership. We have spoken to the NNPP leadership. And they are all aware that we intend to have a retreat and they have pledged that they would love to be part of it, to speak to us.

    “Let me be specific, we have visited the PDP national chairman and the national working committee. We have visited the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and some of the officers of the party.

    “We have also visited the NNPP presidential candidate. We narrated our way forward and they promised to make time available once the dates are confirmed to be with us.

    “So, I want to urge you, in the next few days, the dates would be announced and if possible, I am sure that names would be collated particularly for those of us who will have the time and the chance to go, to please make your names available or have your tickets. It is going to hold in Uyo.

    ” The venue has not changed; it is only the time that has been slightly adjusted because of the inauguration of the new governors and president that is coming on the 29th of May.

    “So, slight adjustments have been made. And in the interactions we have made, our leaders have authoritatively told us that they have not given mandates to their members-elect to either identify with either Mr A or Mr B. The only mandate and directive they gave to their people is to network, interact and ensure that they collate what is going on and give them the feedback; that at the appropriate time decisions would be reached, directives would be given, alliances would be formed and as minorities, we would be told or there would be some kind of agreement as to which direction to go.

    “So, as I stand here, I don’t have any mandate from my party or my governor as to what to do. But interestingly, all our leaders are excited and happy that we have been able to mobilise ourselves together, meeting, networking and being able to show that we are a strong minority group that is ready to stand to the expectations of the 10th House of Reps.

    “We are ready to deepen democracy. We are ready to stand up for the people of our constituencies and more particularly for the teeming Nigerians that are suffering. If we are unable to do anything to alleviate their plights, then we could also be regarded as people who may fail Nigeria in the 10th Assembly. So, we were challenged by our leaders to stand up to our mandates and tasks.”

    Members-elect of seven opposition political parties make up the “Greater Majority” and they are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP).

  • 10th NASS leadership must not be divisive tool – CAN

    10th NASS leadership must not be divisive tool – CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna State Chapter, has advised the incoming Leadership of the 10th National Assembly (NASS) not to be a divisive tool.

    The Chairman CAN, Kaduna state, Rev. John Hayab gave the advice in a statement on Monday in Kaduna.

    Hayab said he had been following the development in the leadership race for the 10th national assembly with dismay and wished to counsel all interested persons not to allow their quest to divide Nigerians along ethnic, regional, or religious lines.

    He explained that CAN believed that Nigeria’s elected representatives, both from the upper and lower chambers, were politically matured and responsible enough to do what would make Nigeria great by choosing competent leaders.

    However, some inciting messages now going round could create unnecessary tension and disunity among Nigerians.

    “CAN as a body has earlier advocated for fairness before the general elections and believes strongly that a fair and just Nigeria is beneficial to Nigeria’s unity and growth.

    “CAN, therefore, appeals to the political class to discontinue any action that can  further divide Nigerians, rather, the elected representatives need to promote matters that can support the citizenry to attain the goals of a unified nation.”

    He said those who eventually became leaders of the national assembly must be lawmakers who would guide their colleagues to make laws for the common good of the country, not as representatives of their regional or religious enclaves.

    According to him, to attain a cohesive nation, CAN will pray and work for the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria and speak truth to power.

    “CAN strongly appeals to the political class to consider the entire country as their most important constituency, instead of promoting primordial sentiments,” Hayab said.

  • Speakership: 12, out of 14 Oyo Reps-Elect throw weight behind Abbas, Kalu

    Speakership: 12, out of 14 Oyo Reps-Elect throw weight behind Abbas, Kalu

    Twelve Oyo state House of Representatives members-elect have thrown their weight behind Honourables Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

    In some documents obtained from a session held by the lawmakers, 12 Reps-elect out of the 14 seats in the State appended their signatures supporting the duo’s positions as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

    Among those who endorsed the duo are Reps members from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and those of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The list as sighted by TNG correspondent, shows the Reps members who endorsed Hon Tajudeen as Speaker and Hon Benjamin Kalu as Deputy Speaker:
    Hon Akeem Adeyemi, Hon Stanley Adedeji, Hon Abass Adigun Agboworin,
    Hon Lafisoye Akinmoyede and
    Hon Bayo Adepoju respectively.

    Others include Hon Ojo Sunday Makanjuola, Hon Lamiju Alao-Akala,
    Hon Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun,
    Hon Oyedeji Oyeshina, Hon Olaide Lateef, Hon Aderemi Oseni and Hon Akin Alabi.

    The lawmakers, made up of both returning and newly elected members chose to work on the side of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, a coalition of members from the 8 political parties with seats in the incoming House which drives the APC zoning and the Abbas/Kalu joint ticket ahead of the June 13th inauguration.

  • NASS: CAN reacts to Shettima’s comments on Islamisation

    NASS: CAN reacts to Shettima’s comments on Islamisation

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to comments by Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima regarding the leadership of the 10th National Assembly (NASS).

    Recall the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had met to consider the outcome of consultations with President-elect Bola Tinubu and others.

    The preference for the top seats in the Red Chamber are Senator Godswill Akpabio (South South – Akwa Ibom), Senate President; Senator Barau Jubrin (North West – Kano), Deputy Senate President.

    For the House of Representatives, the APC settled for Hon. Abass Tajudeen (North West – Kaduna); Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ben Kalu (South East – Abia).

    At a meeting with some House of Representatives members-elect last Friday, Shettima advised aggrieved candidates and their supporters to accept the party’s zoning arrangement.

    The former Borno Central Senator said a scenario where the top four offices in Nigeria are occupied by Muslims would fuel the fears over an alleged plot to Islamise the nation.

    “What we are trying to avoid is a situation whereby the number one citizen, number two citizen, the number three citizen, and the number four citizen are all of the same faith.

    “That will lend credence, and validate the negative narrative of the Islamisation agenda of Nigeria. The stability of the nation is much more important than any other consideration,” the former governor said.

    Speaking with an online newspaper, Kaduna State CAN Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, stated that political leaders were engaging in hypocrisy and what favours them.

    The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) Country Director reminded the public of how the body kicked against the same-faith ticket ahead of the presidential election.

    “When we see danger, we must say it. We gave the warning then, but they said ‘It’s okay, religion doesn’t matter’. Hypocrisy is a big problem in Nigeria.

    “If they like, let them have it all. But if we later have another religion, one tribe or one region holding all the top positions, no one should complain.

    “What we do is promote a united country where there is fairness and justice, yet they accuse us for telling the truth. We will watch what they want to do.

    “This hypocrisy cannot last long. From the look of things, their argument has become logic. If they believe there should be togetherness, let them do what is right.”

    Rev. Hayab also knocked Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Wase for their pronouncements on the NASS leadership saga.

    “Before the election, Kalu said there’s nothing wrong with the APC ticket. Now, he is complaining because that position (Senate Presidency) is not going his way.

    “The current deputy speaker (Wase) too stated that it is his turn. You can see how they are treating the issue like a game. It is very sad.

    “Political leaders should stop playing on our intelligence. I urge Nigerians to open their eyes and see what’s going on,” the clergyman added.

    (Daily Post)

  • 10th Speaker: G7 meets “Greater Majority ” , to present consensus candidate+Photos

    10th Speaker: G7 meets “Greater Majority ” , to present consensus candidate+Photos

    G7 aspirants for the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives has met with “Greater Majority “, with a resolved to present a consensus candidate for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

    The G7 aspirants met at a parly with the “Greater Majority ” in Abuja on Saturday at Transcorp Hilton.

    The G7 reiterated their commitment to work with the minority caucus in a bid to present a common front for the 10th National Assembly Speaker.

    The G7 are made up of Rep. Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps, Rep. Aliyu Betara, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Rep Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman, House Committee on Navy.

    Others include: Rep. Sada Soli (APC-Katsina), Sani Jaji (APC-Zamfara), Miriam Onuhoa (APC-Imo) and Rep Ado Doguwa.

    Sada Soli commended the caucus, while assuring them of their unalloyed support with a promised to present a consensus candidate to the Greater Majority.

    Responding on behalf of the greater majority, Rep. Fred Agbedi, commended the G7 in seeing the Greater majority as partners in progress.l for the progressive growth of the 10the House of Reps

    He hailed the lawmakers for maintaining sacredness of the hollowed chamber, while assuring the G7 that the caucus had not endorsed any candidate.

    He promised that the greater minority would work with all members-elect of the minority to ensure that the 10th House had a speaker for all

    The G7 however found the endorsement of Abbas and Kalu as an affront on their aspirations, claiming they were not consulted and such endorsement will not stand

    The total number of minority in the House from the PDP, NNPP, ADC, YPP and LP is 182, while the APC has 178 members-elect, while the focus of the greater majority is to preserve the independence of the legislature.

  • 10th NASS: CYMS canvases support for Benjamin Kalu

    10th NASS: CYMS canvases support for Benjamin Kalu

    As the members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly jostle for the leadership of the 10th Assembly, the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) has described the Member representing Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State as the image of the Southern rep members and the right man to serve as the Deputy Speaker.

    The CYMS Boss, Chief Obinna Nwaka the Director General said this during an interview with news men shortly after his close door meeting with the law maker and his northern political ally Hon Saeed Alhassn Haske in Abuja.

    He described his nomination and endorsement by the party as a welcome development and thanked the President Elect, Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Sen Kashim Shettima for their endorsement.

    He emphasize that with Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu as the Deputy Speaker in the 10th Assembly, Nigerians will enjoy transparent legislative process, swift intervention to national issues and a good synergy between the Executive arm of government and the Senate.

    Chief Obinna Nwaka, who hails from Imo stood with the decision of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and urged other law makers from the Southern part to support his nomination for equity and fairness. He added that Imo had produced a Deputy Speaker under the PDP regime and an Abia lawmaker would not be a bad idea if allowed to serve as a Deputy Speaker for the 10th National Assembly.

    Nwaka who also served as a APC Member of Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 general elections and a former Director Planning and Strategy of the Presidential Support Committee under the Presidency appealed to the Members elect across the party lines to collectively support and ensure that Hon Benjamin Kalu emerged as the Deputy Speaker.

    In addition, Hon Saeed Alhassn Haske a Chieftain of APC from Kano and former aspirants said the lawmaker, despite being a frontline and Deputy Speaker hopeful, is also a detriblazed leader who has built political bridges across every part of the country and a legislator per excellence.

    Nwaka added that Kalu will assist the Federal Government especially the Asiwaju and Shettima led administration to stabilize the national assembly, tackle the restiveness, unrest and tension in the South East which requires political solution.