Rep Member Begs Tinubu, APC to Zone Rep Speakership to North-Central

Innocent Megbolu 

A member representing Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Tijani Damisa, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, to zone the speakership of the House of Representatives to the North Central geo-political zone.

He said this while throwing his weight behind his colleague, Ahmed Idris Wase, to clinch the position of speaker of the 10th House of Representatives. 

According to Damisa, his support for him is primarily based on character, competence and capacity.

“Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase is an astute politician, a de-tribalised Nigeria, a technocrat per excellence, a team player, a unifier, a man who believes in the ability of humanity irrespective of religion or region, an advocate for peace and peaceful coexistence. He is the most experienced of all other aspirants currently eyeing the seat.”

On the issue of zoning, the rep member said in line with the principle of Federal Character enshrined in the constitution, after the presidency in the Southwest, Vice President in the Northeast and the senate presidency expected to be zoned to the Southeast or the South-south, the next zone to be settled is the North-Central or North-West.

He argued: “But looking at the advent of democracy in Nigeria since 1999 till date, the North-West has produced four speakers, namely: Salisu Buhari, Ghali Na’abba, Aminu Masari and Aminu  Waziri Tambuwal.

“Again, we cannot take the speaker to the North-East where our vice president is from or put it in the North-West that had produced four speakers before and now abandoned the current Deputy Speaker who hails from the North-Central, a region that has never occupied that seat; the Deputy Speaker who shoulder the famed anchor of stability of the 9th House has been resting due to his diligence and loyalty to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila and the party, APC.”

According to Damisa, if such a thing is allowed, “Where will the speaker be placed by the time he emerges? Do you want him to be a floor member, where 300 out of 360 members will be stepping into the chamber for the first time? No, I don’t think it will be fair enough.”

When asked if his state governor supports Wase’s aspiration, he said, “Governor Yahaya Bello is my leader and great benefactor. Thus, I cannot take such a decision alone without his directive or approval.

“Of course, he gave his blessings. And as we all know, the governor doesn’t mince his words. He is not only courageous but straightforward. And by the grace of God, he will be the most senior governor on May 30, as many other governors will go on May 29. Therefore, he has a significant role, which he has already started.”