10th assembly: North-central group asks APC to back Plateau lawmaker as rep speaker

A group known as North Central Coalition for Good Governance (NCCGG) has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the position of speaker of the 10th assembly to its region.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Abraham Dauda, the group’s convener, said the leadership of the ruling party should back Yusuf Gagdi, a member of the house of representatives from Plateau, to occupy the position.

The group said Gagdi has “towering credentials and experience as a well-rounded legislator”, making him the best fit for the job.

“As a group, we are cognizant of the expectations of Nigerians with the incoming administration, hence the need to get it right with the choice of leaders in the legislative arm of government to ensure a system that works towards achieving sustainable growth and development,” Dauda said.

“We are sending a passionate appeal to the leadership of the APC to ensure that the speakership of the 10th assembly is zoned to the north-central region. Our appeal also goes to other political parties to see why the north-central region should be endorsed for the speakership position.

“In light of the prevailing circumstances, we wish to put forward the candidature of Hon. Yusuf Gadi as the preferred candidate for the speakership of the 10th Assembly due to his towering credentials and experience as a well-rounded legislator.

“Hon Yusuf Gagdi is a young and progressive-minded legislator representing Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke federal constituency of Plateau state. A former deputy speaker of the Plateau state House of Assembly comes on board as a dynamic individual whose contributions to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria are indeed noteworthy.

“He has a national disposition to issues, which he has exhibited throughout his career over the years. He has demonstrated exceptional attributes required of leaders in the country in our quest for sustainable growth and development.

“As chairman of the house committee on navy and airforce, it is on record that Hon Yusuf Gagdi worked assiduously towards improving the operational effectiveness of the Navy and Airforce. His contributions on the floor of the house of representatives have continued to be relevant to the national discourse in addressing the national challenge.

“Hon Yusuf Gagdi has in his kitty, experience, dedication, and loyalty to the Nigerian course. He is also at home with the teeming youthful population in the country through his numerous engagement and advocacies with youths from diverse ethnicity and religion across the country.

“We must also admit that the Nigeria of our dream is possible when leaders with a national outlook are elected to represent the people at strategic levels. This much Hon Yusuf Gagdi epitomizes.”

Gagdi, who represents Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke federal constituency of Plateau state, was re-elected during the February 25 election and will be serving his second term when the 10th assembly is inaugurated in June.

The ruling party has not decided on the zoning of the leadership of the 10th assembly despite mounting lobbying by politicians and interest groups.