‘He’s competent’ – north-west reps ask speakership hopefuls to endorse Abbas

The north-west caucus in the house of representatives has asked all the speakership hopefuls to shelve their ambitions and support Tajudeen Abbas, a lawmaker from Kaduna state.

Idris Wase, Yusuf Gadji and Muktar Betara are among those gunning for the country’s number four position.

Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, a lawmaker from Imo state, were nominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to become speaker and deputy speaker in the lower legislative chamber.

The decision by the ruling party has not deterred some members-elect from joining the race.

In a communique issued after a meeting on Tuesday night, Alhassan Doguwa, majority leader and head of the north-west caucus, said the nomination of Abbas and Kalu will ensure stability in the country.

“That the decision to cede the positions of the speaker and deputy speaker of the house of representatives of the 10th national assembly to the north-west and south-east geopolitical zones is in order, as it is essential for the stability and progress of the country,” Doguwa said.

“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 Abass and Kalu is based on their pedigree and accomplishments over the years as legislators of note.

“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 Abass and Kalu as speaker and deputy speaker.

“That we are committed to supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu for a better Nigeria and this can only happen with a competent and acceptable leadership in the house of representatives.”