Speakership: Monguno withdraws from race

Mohammed Monguno, member of House of Representatives and Chairman of its Committee on Agriculture, has announced his withdrawal from the race for Speaker of the House.

Monguno (APC Borno), who was a one of the top contestants for the speakership position of house in the 8th National Assembly, announced his withdrawal from the race at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that he was stepping down from the contest to support Femi Gbajabiamila (APC Lagos), ‘’after broad consultation and thoughtful consideration’’.

According to him, Gbajabiamila has the requisite qualification to lead the 8th National Assembly in the onerous task of addressing the important and pressing needs of citizens of the country.

“I am withdrawing from the race for two reasons: first, to ensure party cohesion.

“As leaders of our great party, we can ill afford to have a divided house if we are to deliver on the much needed change we promised Nigerians.

“Secondly, Femi stands tall among our peers in terms of experience and understanding; he knows the contours and nuances of the legislative process.

“The convention in representative democracies the World over, is that having served as minority leader, you ascend to the speakership position should your party gain the majority,’’ he said.

He, however, hinted that he may run on a joint ticket with Gbajabiamila, because over time, he had realised that Gbajabiamila was an exceptionally effective legislator.

“Today, our beloved country stands on the cusp of change; we have a unique and golden opportunity to make our legislature more vital and inclusive for all of its members, irrespective of party affiliation,’’ he said.