The Speaker of the House of Representative said he was not working against the aspirations of his deputy, Ahmed Idris Wase and other lawmakers who want to succeed him.
Gbajabiamila who made this clarification on Thursday while reacting to a cover story in one of the national dailies, said he has not declared support for any of his colleagues who has declared their interest for the office of the Speaker.
The Speaker in a statement on his verified Twitter handle @femigbija said: “Today, April 13, 2023, a national daily carried a cover story in which it reported that I was against the aspiration of my deputy, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, and some other aspirants to the office of Speaker in the 10th House.
I have not declared support for any my colleagues who have declared their interest. I have made my position abundantly clear that there is a need to wait for the party. There is a need to wait for the party to complete work against my party’s interest and position.
“I am a product of APC’s zoning in 2019, and I shall adhere to that anytime the party comes up with its arrangement. Anyone/media peddling rumors of my endorsement of any of the aspirants should desist forthwith”.
Meanwhile, a coalition of returning and new members elect from all political parties that won seats in the House of the majority party, APC are for zoning of the speaker and Deputy Speaker seats.
The coalition also pledged to uphold the decision of the opposition parties on minority leadership of the House in line with parliamentary best practices. The coalition, known as the “Joint Task – 10th Assembly” comprises 283 members – elect for the APC, the People Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), the New Nigeria People Party (NNP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
The chairman and co – chairman of the group, Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe) Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
“The main focus of the coalition is to promote the independence of the Legislature; the inter-dependence of the legislature and other Arms of Government to legislate for good governance and grass roots impact; constituency outreach; equity and fairness among members –elect as well as well as unity, equity and fairness in the emergence of presiding and principal Officers in line with best parliamentary practice”, the statement reads in parts.
