Reps: No disagreement over appointment of committee chairs

Some members of the house of representatives have commended Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the lower legislative chamber, for “carrying all interests along” in the composition of committee chairs.

The legislators, who refer to themselves as “like-minded lawmakers,” said there is no disagreement regarding the appointment of chairmanship of the standing committees announced by Abbas on Thursday.

Speaking on behalf of the group on Friday, Ikenga Ugochinyere from Imo, said Abbas fostered inclusivity by appointing even those who opposed his bid for the speakership, making everyone feel included.

Ugochinyere, who was appointed as chairperson of the petroleum resources (downstream) committee, said the house is united, adding that they will all work for Nigeria’s interest.

“Majority of the members have commended the speaker and his deputy for being able to carry all interests along in the decision that led to the composition of the principal officers and the chairmanship of the standing committees. So, the parliament is now more united than ever,” Ugochinyere said.

“You saw a composition that cut across different interests including those who fought him or those who didn’t even agree with him. There was no winner, no vanquished.”

TheCable had reported how some of the speakership aspirants were picked as committee chairman by Abbas.

Muktar Betara was named FCT development committee chairman, Idris Wase was appointed chairman of the federal character committee, Yusuf Gagdi was selected to chair the committee on navy, Sani Jaji was announced as chairman of ecological funds, Miriam Onuoha was made chairman of TETfund, while Alhassan Doguwa was picked to chair petroleum resources (upstream) committee.

Ugochinyere said the leadership of the house “are people who do not draw a line”, adding that they “see parliament as one”.

“So, the composition is a reflection of one parliament that they promised us — focusing on delivering the people-driven legislations,” he said.

“And that’s why you can see the unity, the oneness and all is set for the full business of the parliament by the time we come back in 6 weeks.”