From RL, Deputy speaker Ahmed Wase and two other contestants Muktar Betara and Sada Soli. Photo: Ibrahim Shehu/Radio Nigeria
The Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, has formally declared his intention to run for the speakership seat of the 10th assembly.
Mr Wase, in his declaration speech, recounted his sacrifice in the interest of cohesion of the House and declared that it was his turn to be speaker.
He said: “A consensus candidate can be picked, but it will be by all of us sitting down. I assure everyone that there is not going to be any issue. I assure all of you that we are going to agree to support one of us as Speaker.“
Mr Wase recalled that he had indicated interest in the office of Chief Whip in 2015, but was prevailed upon to step down for Mr Doguwa, adding that in 2019, he was also prevailed upon by stakeholders to step down for outgoing speaker, Femi Gbajabiyamila.
Mr Wase promised to ensure an independent parliament, if elected speaker, stating: “This we shall do with our colleagues to ensure that the right thing is done if you give me your mandate.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Muktar Betara has said the group of seven candidates for the speakership of the 10th assembly, known as G-7, will work together to ensure that one from among them emerges as Speaker.
Similarly, another lawmaker-elect, Yussuf Gagdi said handing anything short of a presiding officer of the National Assembly to the North-Central will amount to an “unjust reward” for their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election.
The speakership aspirant, in a statement, insisted that only the presiding officer position will be a “fair compensation” to the zone.
Reporting by Ibrahim Shehu; Editing by Daniel Adejo and Tony Okerafor