A total of 74 Representatives-elect from the North-West region have thrown their support behind Tajudeen Abbas for the position of Speaker and Benjamin Kalu for the position of Deputy Speaker in the upcoming 10th House of Representatives. The endorsement follows the zoning formula released by the All Progressive Congress ahead of the National Assembly’s June 13 inauguration.In a late-night meeting in Abuja, lawmakers-elect from the North-West region endorsed Senator Godswill Akpabio for the Presidency of the Senate and Senator Jibrin Barau for the Deputy Presidency of the Senate, as proposed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee. They also supported Hon Tajudeen Abbas for the speakership and Hon Benjamin Kalu for the deputy speakership positions. The lawmakers issued an eight-point communiqué, signed by Rt. Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, emphasizing the acceptance of the APC zoning formula and urging other contestants to step down for the duo in the interest of national unity.The communique read in parts, “We House of Representatives members-elect from the North-West geo-political zone comprising Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto States irrespective of political affiliations hereby resolve as follows:”We have carefully examined and considered the proposed zoning arrangement of the ruling All Progressives Congress regarding the distribution of presiding officers in the National Assembly. After thorough deliberation, we find the arrangement to be fully acceptable to us as it aligns with the constitutional principle of federal character.”
“We recognize the pivotal role of the National Assembly in our democratic system, and we believe that the individual presiding over the House of Representatives must possess extensive legislative experience, competence, and a deep understanding of governance affairs in the country.”
“Therefore, our endorsement of the candidacy of Dr. Tajudeen Abass and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu is rooted in their remarkable track records and notable achievements as seasoned lawmakers.”
“That as a fourth termer with an outstanding performance as the sponsor of the highest number of Bills and motions in the House of Representatives, it is in the interest of the nation to have such an experienced legislator as the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.”
The group, thereafter, adopted the duo of Abas and Kalu for the leadership of the house.
