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Tag: Tajudeen Abbas

  • Abbas hails Gbajabiamila over appointment as Tinubu’s Chief Of Staff

    Abbas hails Gbajabiamila over appointment as Tinubu’s Chief Of Staff

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the speakership position in the incoming 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila on his appointment as the Chief of Staff to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

     

    In a statement issued on Friday evening by his campaign Media team, Abbas said Gbajabiamila’s appointment is a testament of his pedigree, capacity and competence to handle any national assignment given to him.

     

     

    The lawmaker, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, hailed President Tinubu for making the right choice.

     

     

    He said Gbajabiamila is bringing to the table two decades of parliamentary experience during which he occupied the positions of Minority Whip, Minority Leader, Majority/House Leader and ultimately the Speaker.

     

     

    Abbas said Tinubu has once again demonstrated that he is truly a talent hunter and a strategist by appointing Gbajabiamila to be his Chief of Staff.

     

     

    “I want to appreciate Mr. President for making the right choice in appointing our Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff.

     

     

    “To me, this is one appointment that has shown that Mr. President is not only strategic in his thinking but also sagacious in his leadership.

     

     

    “I know that the Chief of Staff to the President will work assiduously with Mr. President to make Nigeria great,” Abbas said.

     

    Gbajabiamila’s appointment as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, announced on Friday, takes effect on June 14.

  • I’ll be Speaker come June 13, says Tajudeen Abbas

    I’ll be Speaker come June 13, says Tajudeen Abbas

    The All Progressives Congress “anointed candidates” for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker for the 10th House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu on Thursday met behind closed door with President Bola Tinubu.

    The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa Abuja, came on the heels of the inauguration of the 10th leadership of the National Assembly, slated to hold June 13, 2023.

    Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Abbas expressed optimism that he would be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, while Kalu would be his deputy, come June 13.

    He said that they were at the Presidential Villa to congratulate President Tinubu over his victory in the election and his inauguration on May 29.

    He dismissed the insinuation that the 10th assembly would be a rubber stamp, saying that nobody could manipulate the 360 members to make them do what will not be of national interest.

    Abbas added that the independence of the legislature would not be compromised under their leadership.

    He said, “My name is Hon. Tajjudeen Abbas from the National Assembly. And with me is my colleague, who, by the grace of God, come June 13, 2023, would be the next speaker insha Allah and Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Reps of the National Assembly.

    “You may recall that just two or three days ago, Mr. President, the reign of power was handed over to him on May 29. And since then, we did not have any formal interactions.

    ”We felt that it is expedient as the candidates of the party for the number four and number six positions, there is a need for us to formally congratulate him on behalf of all members-elect of the 10th assembly.

    “But that’s just the reason why we’re here to basically congratulate Mr. President over his election and his inauguration as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”

    Asked whether they had any discussion with the President on their aspirations to lead the House, he said:

    “We didn’t have any discussion concerning our opponents who are also aspiring to be Speakers and Deputy Speakers. We restricted our discussions to the matters of the day.

    “Issues that have to do with the challenges that this country is facing, particularly the economic and social challenges and what he intends to do within the next few days, beginning with what he has been done on the issue of fuel subsidy.

    ”Issues of other candidates did not form part of what we discussed with Mr. President this afternoon.”

    On speculation in some quarters that they were anointed so that they will remain rubber stamp to the executive, he said: “First of all, I would want them to go back to history.

    ”Let them tell us even in the few instances where the people who were ordinarily not endorsed by the government of those days have done better than the leadership of the ninth assembly, which we all believe was about the first time in 12 years that the thinking of the members of the National Assembly coincided with the thinking of the executive.

    “The ninth assembly is by far and I say it with all sense of humility, the best national assembly that the legislature and the executive had a very mutually beneficial relationship.

    ”So many things were accomplished. So many things that ordinarily we would not have thought or contemplated would be achieved were achieved.

    “So whoever is talking about rubber-stamp National Assembly does not know the workings of the National Assembly.

    “Nobody, speaker or senate president, deputy speaker or deputy senate president, nobody can manipulate the 360 members of the House of Reps to make them do what is not in the best interest of the public.”

    On his part, Benjamin Kalu said, “Yes, in addition to what the speakership candidate just highlighted, what we’re bringing on board is parliamentary sovereignty.

    ”Sovereignty that will ensure that the borders of the mandate of the various arms of government will be respected.

    “But also recognizing that interdependence is key towards achieving any national objective.

    ”We’re going to ensure that though we are three arms of government, that we understand that we are one government.

    ”So the national objective of the executive, if it is what the people want, will remain the national objective of the legislature.

    “We are bringing on board impartiality of this man that just spoke to you now holding the gavel that will ensure that sentiments and emotions will not controlled the direction of the gavel.”

    According to him, the policies they will come out with will be a reflection of the needs of the people of Nigeria.

    “We’re bringing on board institutional trust that will make Nigerians believe more in the institution of our democracy called the legislature which is the fulcrum of our democracy.

    ”Because, the more confidence they have in that institution, the more we will advance this democracy that people like Mr. President has fought for from the days of NADECO to sustain up to now.”

  • Abbas hails Tinubu, Shettima on inauguration

    Abbas hails Tinubu, Shettima on inauguration

    …expresses hope of better Nigeria under new leaders

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the speakership 10th House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas (PhD), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his inauguration as the 16th President/Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The speakership also congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his swearing-in as the Number 2 Citizen in the country.

    Abbas said with President Tinubu’s swearing-in on Monday, Nigeria would witness massive development as encapsulated in the president’s inaugural speech.

    In a statement he personally signed in Abuja, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas hailed Tinubu for promising to come up with laudable policies and programmes in the next couple of days, which he said would retool Nigeria’s economy and ensure adequate security.

    The speakership candidate, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, expressed optimism that Nigeria would witness unprecedented development and good governance under Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.

    President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, he said, would work assiduously to make Nigeria better and unite the people.

    “I am highly elated to congratulate His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his inauguration as the 16th President/Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I also felicitate with the Vice President Kashim Shettima on his inauguration alongside the president.

    “I am hopeful and optimistic that Nigeria will be better under these two leaders of ours. They came to office ready to deliver, and I am sure they will deliver.

    “I will like to call on Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, irrespective of party affiliations, so that out country will be great again,” Rep. Abbas said.

  • (UPDATED) Speakership Race: Wike backs Abbas, Kalu

    (UPDATED) Speakership Race: Wike backs Abbas, Kalu

    …promises to join campaign after Monday

    …as Ideato Rep-Elect, Ikenga Says endorsement climax of Abass/Ben Kalu consensus walk to victory

    The Speaker and Deputy Speakership campaign of Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu on Friday received major boost as Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared total support for their candidacies as presiding officers of the incoming 10th House of Representatives.

    Wike, who declared the support for the APC’s preferred candidates in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, said he would work assiduously to make sure that the duo emerge victorious.

    Speaking when the Abbas/Kalu Campaign Team visited him under the leadership of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, Wike said all the 13 members-elect from Rivers State with the exception of one, are with Abbas and Kalu 100 percent.

    Wike also said that the 2015 scenario where members that went against their party emerged as leaders of the National Assembly would not repeat itself.

    “I want to say here that I am with you fully. You know I do my things in the open. When Chinda told me that you’re coming here, I said there was no need because I am with you fully. All our members are with you, except one, who is doing something else.

    “2015 won’t repeat itself. Let me tell you, I’ll leave office on Monday, and once I leave, we’ll start the campaign fully.

    “I urge all of you to support Abbas. Don’t support him in the day and do something else in the night. You should support him fully,” Wike said.

    On his part, a House of Representatives member-elect and CUPP Spokesman and Communication adviser to the Tajudeen Ben Kalu group (TBK) who was also part of the delegation Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere expressing excitement over Wike’s endorsement said the endorsement is a climax to the duo’s victory come June 13.

    Ikenga who also recently with the support of over 30 others declared their endorsement of the duo, said the visit is a victory consolidation, adding that Abass and Kalu are seconds away of emerging victorious.

  • Speakership: Northern youths advise G-7 aspirants to support Abbas/Kalu ticket

    Speakership: Northern youths advise G-7 aspirants to support Abbas/Kalu ticket

    The Northern Youth Forum for Good Governance (NYFGG), has called on aggrieved aspirants for the position of Speaker of the 10th Assembly, also known as G-7 to drop their individual ambition and support the candidacy of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

    The Forum made the call on Thursday at a Media briefing in conjunction with other Civil society groups from the region.

    Tagged: “An Appeal to G7 Consensus Speakership Group and members-elect on the need to support Hon Tajudeen Abass for the Speakership of the 10th National Assembly,” the Forum said the call became necessary given the discontent that greeted the nomination of Hon. Abbas and Ben Kalu by the leadership of the ruling All Progress Congress (APC) on May 8, 2023.

    The statement reads: “As stakeholders in the Nigerian project for democracy and good governance, we are constrained to lend our voice to the debate on the Speakership of the Federal House of Representatives.

    “We are aware of the discontent that has greeted the nomination of Hon Tajudeen Abbass by the APC as the candidate for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as the strong opposition put forward by the eminent G7 group in the House of Representatives.

    “While it is within their rights to express displeasure over the choice of Hon Tajudeen Abass, they must understand that it’s only a united house that can stand; hence the need for all parties should support the candidature of Hon Tajudeen Abbas.”

    The Forum contended that “As stakeholders of the party, it is incumbent that the G7 members act on the decision of the party in a bid to ensure that members of the opposition party do not undermine the APC.”

    “The Northern Forum for Good Governance is also using this medium to reach out to members elect to support Hon Tajudeen Abass in his ambition. Undoubtedly, he is one of the most experienced hands in the House of Representatives.

    “His contributions on the floor have been noteworthy, and his leadership of various committees under his purview has also been top-notch. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is a bridge-builder who understands the strategic importance of the House of Representatives in the country’s socioeconomic development.

    “Given that Hon Tajudeen Abass has the endorsement of the President-Elect, we wish to use this medium to appeal to the G7 and other members-elect to see the reason behind the choice of Hon Tajudeen Abass.

    “The APC must stay united at the risk of allowing some dramatic outcomes during the elections of principal officers in the House of Representatives. The decision to endorse Hon Tajudeen Abbass is in the party’s best interest and not the fact that he is the most suitable candidate for the Speaker of the House of Representatives position,” the group added.

    The Forum argued further that “Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is a loyal party man whose penchant for teamwork is tremendous. He has been known for carrying everyone along, and we believe this much he will do if supported to emerge as Speaker of the House of Representatives.”

    “We also wish to use this medium to encourage Hon Tajudeen Abass to reach out to the G7 and other members-elect to pacify them to work in the party’s interest. They must admit that the task ahead of the incoming administration requires all hands to be on deck.

    “The country’s challenges are enormous, and the incoming administration’s mantra is renewed hope. This can only happen if the party stays united and pursues a common goal.

    “The G7 are respected members of the APC whose contribution to the growth and development of the party cannot be overemphasized. But again, the position of Speaker is meant for one person, and the party has a say in those elected as principal officers in the National Assembly.

    “The Northern Forum for Good Governance urges the G7 and other members-elect to focus on the strength and capacity of Hon Tajudeen Abass rather than the fact that the party nominated him. In so doing, the G7 and other members would come to appreciate the party’s decision.

    “There is the risk of giving the incoming administration a tough time settling down for the business at hand at this critical point of our existence. We are convinced that the G7 and other members elect are interested in the progress of the party and, as such, the need to sheath their swords and embrace peace.

    “The G7, as stakeholders of the party in the House of Representatives, are encouraged to act as comrades in the spirit of unity and see to the emergence of Hon. Tajudeen Abass as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “The Northern Youth Forum for Good Governance appreciates and commends the G7 and other members-elect. We trust they will act in good faith and see Hon Tajudeen Abass as one of them.”

  • 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: G-7 will soon fizzle out – Joint Task Group declares, vows to deliver Abass, Kalu

    Speakership: G-7 will soon fizzle out – Joint Task Group declares, vows to deliver Abass, Kalu

    …slams group for saying Abass is not popular

    The Joint Task Coalition of the incoming 10th National Assembly has said that the G-7 group comprising of eminent lawmakers will soon fizzle out into oblivion.

    The group also advanced moves and processes aimed at making the delivery of Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively, a smooth sail on the day of inauguration on June 13, 2023.

    Recall that the Coalition which is comprised of the 8 political parties (APC, PDP, LP, NNPP, APGA, SDP, ADC and YPP) that won various seats in the incoming 10th National Assembly at the just concluded February 25 general elections resolved to work together with a view to implementing the APC zoning arrangement and prevent any form of rebellion within the House against the ruling party and its incoming administration.

    Consequently, the group has since backed the nomination of Abbas and Kalu by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as its preferred candidates for the offices, just as it also seeks to promote cooperation between the legislature and executive, amongst others.

    Speaking on behalf of the group on an Arise TV programme titled “This Week” monitored in Abuja, its secretary a returning member-elect from Kano State, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki said the members have resolved to give a block vote, adding that the G7, a group of other aggrieved aspirants poses no threat whatsoever to them, saying it would soon fizzle out.

    He said: “If you look at it, the Joint Task itself is a kind of gang up. I’m from NNPP, the co-chair (Chinda) is a PDP member, the Chairman is of the APC. A few days back, a greater chunk of the opposition came together and endorsed Abass. I can bet you the 10th Assembly intends to work as a group and on that day, we will work as a group and speak as one.

    “By the time we finish this interview, they could become G2 or G1, these are all people I know who are my friends and who are qualified to be Speaker but, we can only have one Speaker at a time. And the best amongst all is Hon. Tajudeen Abbas,” he declared.

    Madaki also said that the stepping down of the trio of the outgoing leader of the 9th Assembly, Hon. Ado Doguwa, Hon. Abdulraheem Olawuyi and and Hon. Makki Abubakar Yalleman was a needed boost to their campaign.

    The highly outspoken lawmaker added that the country needed the best hand at the national parliament to effectively drive the machinery of governance.

    He also revealed that they from the NNPP have the blessings of the party’s leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to support Abbas.

    “On three contestants stepping down for Tajudeen Abbas, that should not come as a surprise to Nigerians. That’s part of politics and politicking, I believe that’s good for our democracy.

    “We at the Joint Task-10th Assembly Coalition believe that we should have a very robust democracy and rancour free House of Representatives where our main concern, main focus should be the well-being of the Nigerian citizen, and how to do it is to select leaders based on competence, intellect, capacity. We believe if that’s done irrespective of party, we will have an Assembly that Nigerians will be proud of.

    “As at now, it’s not about having a working relationship between the APC and the NNPP. It’s about having a National Assembly that will work for Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or whatever differences we have in this country.

    “If we don’t have his (Kwankwaso) blessings, you won’t see myself and other members being in the Joint Task.

    “For this country to move forward, we have to do away with all these sentiments and pick the best from amongst ourselves. The Joint Task wants to do what’s obtainable everywhere.

    “The best practice in democracies is that the party with majority of members in that Assembly is allowed to pick who will be the presiding officers.

    “But in allowing the party, we at the Joint Task decided to have certain criteria, and those are: what’s your level of intellect, your contribution to the House? Abass Tajudeen, if you look at his resume, you will see he has brought 74 bills, and 21 of them have been assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari. That’s not a small feat.

    ” I have been in the parliament for eight years, I have only one bill to my name, although in the Eighth Assembly, I have the highest number of motions”, he said.

    The Secretary of the Joint Task Team however disagreed with those who ascribed unpopularity to the person of Abbas, describing it as an “indictment on them” to say that a lawmaker who sponsored over 74 bills and got 21 of them assented by the President was not known amongst his contemporaries.

    Madaki who vouched the credibility, intellectuality and comportment of Abbas, said he remains the most competent to lead the 10th House.

    “I beg to disagree, what’s the process of getting your bill assented to? It goes for first, second readings, then public hearing and third reading to get it passed. If you have 21 bills in an Assembly, any member in that Assembly claims not to know that person, that means that member doesn’t go to sittings. That will be a very big indictment on that member. Maybe, his statement is part of politicking.

    “He has the comportment to handle issues in the House. I have known him for eight years and I can attest to the fact that he’s somebody who can tolerate a lot of things. He’s willing to listen, he’s total level of comportment is very suitable for a Speaker of House of Representatives.

    “Abass was a primary school teacher, a lecturer, was a manager at British-Nigeria Tobacco Company. He’s a member of House of Representatives from 2011 till date. That alone tells you that he must have come to the place with something which makes his constituents elect him three times. Currently, he’s the Chairman Committee on Land Transport and he’s a Ph.D holder and he has 21 bills assented to by Mr. President”, Madaki said.

    The lawmaker also denied speculations in many quarters that Abbas was a project of the outgoing House Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as APC’s compensatory measure to the contributions of the outgoing Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

    In his opinion, the aspirant’s lofty ideals, patriotism and qualifications distinguished him from others.

    “Why didn’t El-Rufai give it to any other member in Kaduna? They have 16 members from the state, why Tajudeen? Because he felt he has the intellect. To have any bill passed you must have a good working relationship with your colleagues.

    ” If members don’t like you, your bills won’t see the light of day. And it’s not true that the zoning is a compensation to El-Rufai. The main person who brought the idea that Tajudeen should contest for Speakership is the vice chairman of his committee not Gbajabiamila.

    “The Speaker was sold into the issue by members especially Tajudeen’s Deputy Chairman. And let me tell you something about the House of Representatives, if you’re Chairman of a committee, your biggest enemy is your Deputy. They don’t see eye-to-eye. So, for Abass because of his character and attitude his Deputy Chairman started this whole thing. He’s a man that will deliver”, Madaki said.

  • Speakership: G-7 splits as Doguwa, two other aspirants support Abbas

    Speakership: G-7 splits as Doguwa, two other aspirants support Abbas

    … declare support for zoning

     

    There seems to be a split in the camp of aggrieved Speakership aspirants in the 10th House of Representatives otherwise known as the Group of Seven (G-7) following the withdrawal from the race by the Majority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa.

    Doguwa who announced his withdrawal from the race in support of the APC anointed candidate, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, was also accompanied by two other aggrieved aspirants, Hon. Abdulraheem Tunji Olaoye, from Kwara and Hon. Makki Abubakar Yalleman from Jigawa respectively.

    These all played out at the second meeting of the Tajudeen Abbas/Benjamin Kalu campaign group organized by the Joint Task -10th Assembly, a coalition of all 8 political parties with seats in the incoming 10th House of Representatives.

    Addressing the gathering which was chaired by the outgoing Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Doguwa who referred to Gbajabiamila as “Mr Fix It” stormed the venue of the meeting with some of his supporters saying that the time has come for him to act to a good party and establishment man who also benefited from the system.

    “Perhaps it won’t be out of place Mr Speaker if I put your name on quote as the Mr fix it of this time. I wish you well and I hope you will continue to fix it for the Nigerian people. I call you ‘Mr fix it’ because the way you are fixing it, I can see that you are doing it for the overall interest of the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “My respected honourable colleagues and my brother the Prince of Zazzau, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas this year will be highly eventful for the Zazzau Emirate.

    “My Honorable colleagues, especially those who are looking at me eyeball to eyeball. Don’t imagine that my appearance here is by accident. Don’t think you are day dreaming, you are not day dreaming this is reality. Before you is Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, the Chief Whip of the 8th Assembly and by the leave of my colleagues, Honourable Speaker, the Majority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives.

    “I am here to put on the record that not just from today, that right from day one that the NWC, the National Working Committee of My party put it on the table that they have come up with their zoning arrangement, and after zoning with all sense of morality micro-zoned it to the North West, and micro-micro-zoned it to my brother Tajudeem Abbas, representing Zaria Federal Constituency of North West Nigeria, as from that day, I therefore called my bid to contest for the speakership of the 10th House of Representatives off.

    “I had to do that because I’m a man of the establishment. I had to do that because I’m also a beneficiary of the same kind of arrangement. I have benefited from party arrangements, I have personally benefited from this zoning arrangement. That was what gave me the position of the Chief Whip of the 8th House of Representatives even when there were issues, still the zoning helped me.

    “Today I’m the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives courtesy of the National Working Committee of my party.

    ” My great brothers and sisters, courtesy demands that it’s only fair that I also stand by the position of the National Working Committee of My party.

    “It’s not like the table is turning against m, no. It’s just that time has come for me to also pay back. And I think paying back in this circumstances is a great responsibility that I must oblige.

    “I rise before you this evening my colleagues and Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila, and flanking me are Hon. Abdulraheem Tunji Olaoye and Hon. Makki Abubakar Yalleman. We are here individually and collectively stepping into the shoes of this great campaign.

    “We all wanted to be Speakers not because we knew there could be so many Speakers at every given point in time, there can be only one Speaker and we have individually and collectively decided to come and surrender our bids to be Speaker to our great party, and we also defer on record to our great gentleman that was picked by the party to run for the Speakership officially on behalf of our great party, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

    “We are also of the opinion that the selection process of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas was not in any way biased. We are also quite aware that the person of Tajudeen Abbas and his running mate, are qualified to hold their respective offices,” he said.

    Recall that the Group of Seven comprising the outgoing Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase(Plateau), Muktar Aliyu Betara (Borno), Aliyu Sani Jaji (Zamfara), Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Plateau), Miriam Onuoha (Imo), Alhassan Ado Doguwa(Kano) Sada Soli Jibia(Katsina) and Makki Abubakar Yalleman (Jigawa), with the exception of Olaoye all swore to back one aspirant from them to run against the party’s anointed candidate.

    #

  • SPEAKERSHIP: 107 opposition parties lawmakers are solidly with us -Hon Abass

    SPEAKERSHIP: 107 opposition parties lawmakers are solidly with us -Hon Abass

    …as Gov Zulum advises him, Kalu to be inclusive in their leadership

    …Lalong, Mohammed say politics is about loyalty and respect

    One of the top contenders for the 10th House speakership position, Hon Tajudeen Abass has said 107 opposition parties members-elect are solidly behind him.

    Also, Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has called on the Speaker and deputy Speakership candidates for the presiding officers’ positions in the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (APC, Kaduna), and Rt. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (APC, Abia), to do something about endemic political corruption in the country when they assume leadership of the House.

    Governor Zulum made the call when a campaign delegation of the duo led by the chairman of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly Coalition, Rt. Hon. Usman Bello Kumo paid him a courtesy visit on Monday night in Abuja.

    The governor who expressed delight in the composition of the campaign team which is comprised of members-elect from all the 8 political parties with seats in the incoming House, noted that little development is being achieved in the country at the moment due to political corruption that has robbed the people of the benefits of abundant resources.

    “Most importantly, I urge you to look into the issues of political corruption in Nigeria when you take over the mantle of leadership at the National Assembly. We have unlimited resources in Nigeria but endemic corruption will not let us see the benefits of what the people have been blessed with by God. And if we keep glossing over the issue of corruption Nigeria will continue to go round in circle without achieving anything meaningful in terms of development or advancement.

    Another thing that I want to implore you is to extend hands of fellowship to other aspirants seeking the same position when God willing you get there. I’m happy that we have opposition parties in this movement, we have PDP and other opposition parties supporting you. So carry everyone along in your leadership.

    “Inclusivity is very important. Plus Don’t distribute the cake now, because if you do, you won’t be fair to everybody. Wait for all the grievances to be settled and frayed nerves calmed before you do that. As people from Borno we would have been very happy and proud to have both the VP and Speaker. But since the party has endorsed you and the President and VP-elect have endorsed you, in Sha Allah you’ll be the Speaker and deputy Speaker. But don’t do a winner takes all. Make sure you form a unity leadership and a united House for the purpose of having a common front for the benefit of Nigerians”, Zulum said.

    Also addressing the Abbas/Kalu campaign team in his official residence in Abuja on Monday night, the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, while congratulating members for winning their elections, called on the Speaker and deputy Speakership candidates to remain true to the attributes that endeared them to the party’s leadership which informed their selection and endorsement. He also stressed the need for respect and loyalty to the party at all times irrespective of personal political interest.

    “So let me first congratulate all of you for winning your elections, and also congratulate your supporters who made you to win the elections. It’s not easy. And you know that if you have been in politics, you will know that politics is about loyalty. Politics is about being obedient. Not the other obedient (laughs). Being obedient to your leaders, our own leaders. And being respectful to the party. So when we finish like this there are bound to be different opinions, there are bound to be different interests. I was also a legislator. I was just sharing with him how I became the speaker.

    “As DG campaign, I was very loyal, and I remain loyal to the President-elect who was my boss and also the Vice President-elect and also to the leader of the party for now, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “So today we have elected a President, and have elected a Vice President. Definitely, their words will be our wisdom. So I will say that I have listened to you. I can say you are even the first person to have come to me, inspite of the fact that I have two of my own that also indicated interest. But I granted you audience to see you. And I saw you. When I said I saw you, you know what I mean. But if you become the Speaker and deputy, look at some of our interests too in the North Central Zone. Not that they are crying, they are crying on our behalf. So if you get it please don’t forget us in the North Central. But as I have received this message, I want to assure you that I will carry it forward. Even in the absence of the President-elect the Vice President-elect is already moving and the DG must support him for us to move forward.,” Governor Lalong assured.

    Briefing the Governor on reasons for the visit earlier, both Hon. Abbas and Hon. Kalu, as well as the Joint Task Coalition Chairman, Hon. Kumo congratulated him for a job well done at the just concluded Presidential election.
    They expressed appreciation for the sacrifices he mad to take on the challenges of marketing the party’s presidential ticket even in the face of mounting pressure and propaganda

    They however, informed the Governor that theirs is a unity project that seeks to reestablish national loyalty and cohesion in the polity, just as the Speakership candidate, Abbas disclosed that as at Sunday evening, not less than 107 members-elect from opposition parties have joined the movement.

    “So we are here your Excellency, inspite of the fact that you have two candidates, to plead with you to support our course, because our course is a Nigerian course. We are a unity project members here. We have membership across all the 8 political parties. And I can tell with confidence sir that our last count as at yesterday (Sunday), we have 107 minority party members onboard this project.

    Speaking to journalists after an hour long meeting with the Candidates behind closed doors, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State stressed the importance of showing respect for constituted authority.

    He said while it’s not in his place to assess the candidates who already enjoy the support of the ruling party and the President and Vice President-elect, he will sit with members-elect from his State to discuss on the need to be on “the winning team.”

    “I’m not in a position to assess the candidates. As a politician I know he’s the endorsed person by the President-elect and the Vice President-elect, and as someone who has a lot of experience in democracy and parliamentary practice I know there should be respect for constituted authority. I know there should be synergy between the executive and the legislature. And that is what is typefied by this endorsement that I should advice my members-elect to look positively into because I know that at the end of the day, they are going to be independent and they’re going to work to enhance the welfare and independence of the legislature under any leadership.”

    The Governor stated further that while he may be an opposition governor, he shares in the responsibility to ensure a harmonious working relationship between the executive and the legislature, noting that peace or conflict between them will determine the direction of the entire country and the people irrespective of party affiliation.

    “And of course it is not my business to know who was endorsed but it’s my business to see that there’s peace, there’s collaboration, there’s synergy between the two arms of government and of course my legislators (members-elect) are also going along with the winning team, ensuring that Bauchi is in the scheme of things and not excluded.

    “Hon. Abbas, of course I have seen his pedigree, I’ve seen his resumé and I have seen the support of the federal government, definitely we will sit down with my legislators (members-elect) and we will take a decision,” the governor assured.

  • 10th House: Masari, Radda, Aliero throw weight behind Abbas for Speakership+photos

    10th House: Masari, Radda, Aliero throw weight behind Abbas for Speakership+photos

    …insist party’s decision is supreme

     

    A top aspirant and APC’s choice for the position of Speaker in the incoming 10th House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has secured the backing of both the outgoing and incoming governors of Katsina State, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari and Dr. Dikko Umar Radda respectively.

    The endorsements came when Abbas led a delegation of members-elect from the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, a coalition of members from the eight political parties that have won seats in the 10th Assembly, on separate visits on Masari and Radda.

    Speaking during the late night visit on Sunday, Masari, a former Speaker of the House, said as a loyal member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he believed the party’s choice should be respected.

    “You said I’m a party man; you’re right. So, I’ll align myself with what the party says. Once the party takes a position, I’ll make sure that I stand with the decision and make it succeed,” Masari said.

    A statement issued by Abbas’ Campaign office on Monday quoted the former Speaker as advising Abbas and his team to intensify efforts and work hard to realize the party’s decision, noting that the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State has shown capacity over the years.

    On his part, Dr. Radda said as party men, they would ensure that the APC’s decision on zoning was implemented to the latter, saying he is a product of the party hierarchy being a one-time national welfare secretary of APC.

    “I am a party man, and I believe we should work with what the party said. I called all our members-elect and told them to work with whatever the party decided. This is our project. This visit is just a formality.

    “We in the Northwest thank the party and the President-elect for ceding the position of Speaker to us. We have done a lot for the party, so we may ask for more. I am happy to see the kind of people with you. This is a pan-Nigerian project.

    “You need the support of each and every person among the aspirants. You should reach out to each and every person to have their cooperation and support. Don’t forget to carry members of Katsina State along if God gives you the position,” Dr. Radda said.

    Both Masari and Radda in their remarks during the separate visits in Abuja emphasized on party supremacy. They said the political party under whose platform a legislator got elected should be respected at all times.

    Similarly, Hon. Abbas secured the endorsement of a former governor of Kebbi State and serving senator for Kebbi Central, Muhammad Adamu Aliero, during a visit on Sunday.

    Aliero, who is also a former minister of FCT, said he was highly impressed by Hon. Tajudeen Abbas’ credentials both in and outside the Legislature.

    He promised to mobilize the PDP members-elect from Kebbi State for Abbas, saying the Kaduna Rep. is the kind of leader the House needs at the moment.

    “When I learnt that Hon. Tajudeen Abbas was visiting me, I said this is the moment I was waiting for. I had eminent Nigerians waiting for me, but I decided to wait for you.

    “I know very well that APC has taken a stand on zoning. I want to congratulate you for getting the APC endorsement. All we’re waiting for is the inauguration day. God willing, you’ll be there. I must commend you on your bipartisan approach. The best advice anyone can give you is to be fair and just to all the people that give you their support.

    “Treat everyone equally. Don’t discriminate. Whatever comes to you, look at it nationally. You should be just to all. When there is justice, everything will be okay in the society. I can boast of giving you five members from Kebbi State. One of them is Hon. Tanko Sununu who’s already working with you,” he said.

    Speaking during the visits, the frontline aspirant, Tajudeen Abbas, congratulated Radda on his victory as governor-elect for Katsina State and the APC victory at the national level. He also congratulated Aliero on his victory at the polls.

    He said he has been in the House of Representatives since 2011 representing Zaria Federal Constituency, noting that he is the current chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport.

    Most importantly, Abbas said, he is the member that sponsored 74 Bills in the 9th Assembly, 21 of which were signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Additionally, Hon. Abbas said he is the treasurer of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Union (CPU), Africa, a member of the governing board of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) as well as the leader of the Kaduna Caucus in the 9th House.

    Hon. Abbas noted further that he came to the Parliament after serving as a teacher for many years, teaching in both secondary and tertiary institutions where he established three different departments in different institutions in 1989, 2001 and 2005 respectively before joining politics.

    The delegation also visited the Enugu State governor-elect, Hon. Peter Mbah, who offered some words of advice to the Tajudeen Abbas team.

    Abbas holds the record of the member with the highest number of Bills in the 8th Assembly.

    He was accompanied on the visits by members-elect from APC, PDP, LP, NNPP, among others.