Sanwo-Olu to reps: Respect position of APC during election for speaker, deputy

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has asked members-elect of the house of representatives to respect the zoning arrangement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the leadership of the green chamber.

Sanwo-Olu spoke in Lagos on Saturday when Tajudeen Abbas, the anointed candidate of the APC for the position of speaker, visited him in the company of Benjamin Kalu, the party’s choice as deputy speaker.

TheCable had reported how the decision of the APC to nominate Abbas and Kalu sparked controversy within the party.

The party’s nomination for the leadership of the senate has also been met with pushback from those aspiring to lead the red chamber.

Speaking during the visit, the Lagos governor said the leadership of the national assembly must reflect the “true federal composition” and political diversity of Nigeria.

The governor said Abbas and Kalu have “what it takes” to lead the house of representatives.

“Here today, I have seen diverse political parties and representatives from all regions coming together to work as a team in electing the speaker. I urge you not to stop at this; you should further deepen your engagement and extend the hand of comradeship to every member,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“I have observed that despite having the support of the party, you are not resting on your oars and taking anything to chance. I urge you to ensure that your engagement is total, transparent and inclusive.

“Other aspirants are eminently qualified to do the same engagement. They are known to us and they will be brought to the room for conversation. Our wish is to ensure that the position of the party is respected and adopted on the green chamber when the House convenes.

“I have read about speaker and deputy speaker aspirants. Your pedigree and resume speak to excellence. I believe you have what it takes to lead the House of 360 members from diverse backgrounds, so that we can have purposeful executive-legislative engagement and bring about meaningful dividends of democracy to our countrymen.

“At the end of the day, your aspiration is not about you or your colleagues in the chamber but about Nigerians. The objective must be about joining forces with the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make life better for the people, improve the economy and strengthen security. Greatest good must be achieved for the greatest number.”

Abbas and Kalu visited the Lagos governor to seek his support in their quest for the leadership of the 10th house of representatives.