The bid by Dr Tajudeen Abass to occupy the exalted seat of the Speaker of the House of Representatives yesterday recieved a major boost as his colleagues from the North West geo-political zone of the country endorsed his aspiration.
The lawmakers drawn from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states irrespective of political affiliations enjoined members of the G6 including the outgoing Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, Muktar Betara and Yusuf Adamu Gagdi to step down for Abass.
The House Majority Leader and Chairman North West Caucus, Mr. Alhassan Ado Doguwa who addressed reporters at the end of the meeting by members of the caucus described the decision by the ruling All progressives Congress (APC) to endorse Abass for the seat as acceptable.
Doguwa argued that the decision to zone the seat to the North West and South-East geo-political zone which is the most populated zone of the country is in order as it is essential for the stability and progress of the country.
Stating that the decision is also reflective of the federal character principle as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, he justified their decision thus: “That the North-West geopolitical zone has contributed significantly to the victory of the ruling party in the just concluded 2023 General elections, particularly to the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“That the National Assembly is a critical institution in our democracy and that whoever must preside over the House of Representatives must not only be experienced in legislative affairs but must be competent and well versed in the affairs of governance of the country.
“Consequently, our decision to declare support for the candidacy of Dr Tajudeen Abass and RT Hon. Benjamin Kalu is based on their pedigree and accomplishments over the years as a legislator of note.
“That as a fourth termer with an outstanding performance as the sponsor of the highest number of Bills and motions in the House of Representatives, it is in the interest of the nation to have such an experienced legislator as the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.
“That we appeal to other Speakership contestants to as a matter of national interest and cohesion concede and pave the way for the seamless emergence of Dr Tajudeen Abass and Hon Benjamin Kalu as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.
“That we are committed to supporting the administration of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a better Nigeria and this can only happen with a competent and acceptable leadership in the House of Representatives.”
