By Charles Adingupu
The race for the Speakership of the 10th House of Representatives remains wide open despite the All Progressive Party microzoning the Presiding offices, as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, on Friday in Abuja, vowed not to withdraw from the race.
Ignoring the decision of the governing party, which had not only zoned the position to the Northwest but chosen the candidate from Kaduna State, Hön. Tajudeen Abbas as it’s nominee, Wase insisted,
“I am in the race! And by the grace of God, I am going to conclude the race. I have not withdrawn or stepped down for anybody.”
Wase told State House Correspondents on Friday after a meeting the President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, that the APC’s National Working Committee letter, which outlined the zoning was advisory and allows for continued discussions on the matter.
He said the zoning contradicts the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, Section 14(4) as amended which states that the composition of the Government of the Federation, including its agencies, should reflect the federal character of Nigeria.
The outgoing Deputy Speaker emphasised that the clause is meant to foster national cohesion, prevent persons from certain states or ethnic groups from dominating the floor and guarantee the nation’s allegiance and concord.
He highlighted the importance of diversity in leadership noting that Nigeria has six geopolitical zones and that the government currently comprises six presiding officers.
Wase said ignoring his zone not only flouts the federal character, but also ignores the enormous support and votes his region had given to the APC in the last elections. He accentuated the shared sentiments among his fellow candidates saying “I am not just speaking for myself. You can’t bring a deputy senate president, but you can give us the speaker role.
“You cannot neglect us, even though we have given one of the best outcomes in terms of voting and support to the government.”
On his purpose for visiting the Presidential Villa, the lawmaker from Plateau State said he had come to join Buhari and other dignitaries for the virtual commissioning of several projects in his home state.
On May 17, the outgoing Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, a coalition of members-elect of the APC and opposition parties had adopted the anointed candidates of the APC for Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, respectively, for the 10th House.
He said the APC gave the North-West the Speakership and Deputy Senate Presidency to compensate the geopolitical zone.
