x

Gbajabiamila receives Mali’s candidate for Pan-African Parliament post, pledges Nigeria’s support

By Doris Ferdinand

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has pledged the support of Nigeria for Mali’s candidate, Mrs Haidara Cisse Aichata, who is vying to become the President of the Pan-African Parliament.

Aichata will become the first woman to occupy the seat in the last 20 years if she emerges victorious.

Speaker Gbajabiamila, who was speaking in Abuja on Friday when Aichata paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly, noted that she has the rich pedigree to win the votes of most member states.

“Let me state very clearly and categorically, I see no reason why we will not support you.

“As a parliament and as a country, we will put our weight behind you, particularly because you will also be making history as the first woman in the last 20 years to occupy that seat”, the Nigerian Speaker stated.

He recalled that Nigeria too had once vied for and won the position, adding that the country enjoyed the support of Mali back then.

He said the support given by Mali ensured that Hon. Bethel Amadi, now of blessed memory, won the election to become the President of the parliament in 2012.

Gbajabiamila, who assured his visitor that this was Nigeria’s moment to reciprocate the gesture, added that Nigerian lawmakers would not only vote for her but also sell her candidacy to other countries.

He seized the opportunity of the visit to canvass support for Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, who is contesting for the position of Vice-President of the parliament.

“I believe we also have someone in the Senate, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, who is vying for the position of VP, and hopefully he will be your VP.

“We solicit support for him as well”, Gbajabiamila said.

The Nigerian Speaker also used the opportunity to introduce to Aichata, the Conference of Speakers of African Parliament (COSAP), saying, “I am sure by the time you are elected President, COSAP will be with you and collaborate with you for the good of the continent.”

Gbajabiamila spoke on the cordial diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Mali, observing that both West African neighbours have had mutually beneficial engagements over time.

Gbajabiamila spoke further,
“I recollect Nigeria had been in the forefront of sending troops when you had problems in Mali.

“In 2018 when you had your election crisis, Nigeria was there, and during the 2020 military coup as well, Nigeria played a critical role. We have had a mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries. We have to sustain that.”

Speaking earlier, Aichata told Gbajabiamila that the sole aim of her visit was to seek the votes of Nigeria to win the election.

She said with the support of Nigeria, one of the most powerful countries in Africa, she was guaranteed victory, a reason she felt it was necessary to pay the visit.

Aichata informed Speaker Gbajabiamila that she had already met with President Muhammadu Buhari and several Nigerian lawmakers, all of who backed her ambition.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Arokodare Scores as Super Eagles Hold Russia to 1-1 Draw

Tolu Arokodare opened his Super Eagles goal account as...

Strong Capital Market Key to Nigeria’s Economic Future – NGX Chairman

Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Dr. Umaru...

Veteran Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95

Renowned highlife musician and folklorist Mike Ejeagha, famed for...

Eid-el-Kabir: Northern CAN Greets Muslims, Urges Govt Action on Security

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),...

Sultan Commends Sokoto Governor for Delegating Authority to Deputy

The Sultan of Sokoto and spiritual leader of Nigeria’s...

Eid Mubarak: NUJ FCTA Chapel Felicitates with Muslim Journalists, Prays for Peace and Unity

By Joyce Babayeju As Muslim faithful across Nigeria and the...

Eid-El-Kabir: Fatimah Observes Prayers with Kogites in Eika Ohizenyi

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Kogi State Commissioner for Women...

Former Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais Passes Away at 89

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, has...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img