Speakership tussle: Progressives Reps-elect endorse Gbajabiamila/Wase ticket
By Henry Omunu, Abuja
A group of returning and newly elected House of Representatives members known as the 9th Assembly Progressives have adopted House Leader, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila and Rep. Ahmed Wase as speaker and deputy speaker of the 9thHouse of Representatives respectively.
The group led by Rep. Oluwole Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun state and is made up of non – APC members and members – elect in a statement on Thursday, explained that the move to endorse Gbajabiamila and Wase as speaker and deputy was informed by legislative norms and global best practices obtainable in the legislature.
Rep. Oke stated that “in mature democracies with entrenched legislative traditions, the moment there is a leadership vacuum, the leader of a majority party in the legislature automatically assumes headship of that House. Examples abound, including, the recent speakership of Nancy Pelosi.
“For this reason and in order for us to deepen the progressive values in the National Assembly, we the 9th Assembly Progressives have adopted the joint ticket of Femi/Wase in the speakership race.
“Also, the President who doubles as the leader of Gbajabiamila’s party has nominated him for the speakership position, having deemed him fit as a man that will foster peace, unity and prosperity throughout the 9th Assembly. Endorsing and voting for him, is therefore, an endorsement and vote for a smooth and productive working relationship between the executive and the legislature in the new government,” he said.
The lawmaker added that Gbajabiamila is the most experienced and prepared candidate in the current speakership race, as a member of the House since 2003 who has played pivotal roles in creating the right legislative culture, values and practice which now characterize the legislative arm of government.
“His commitment to the defence of democratic values is glaring and he has been consistent in his views, values and votes, which is the hallmark of a true parliamentarian.
“Since becoming a member in 2003, Gbajabiamila has sponsored some of the most critical bills that have been debated on the floor of the House of Representatives. Some of his bills were pivotal and contributed to the amendment of the 1999 Constitution,” the group pointed out.
They reiterated that Gbajabiamila’s innate brilliance shows in the quality of bills and motions he has sponsored in the House, adding that his contributions to debates are passionate, deep, insightful and always logical.
“He has vast understanding of the rules of the House and is a master in legislative proceedings. He commands the respect of the members of the House. In 2015, he was overwhelmingly elected as the leader of the House and he gave support to the current House leadership for the entire term of the 8th Assembly.
“He has also contributed immensely to making legislative work easy. A notable contribution he made is the printing and distribution of the rules of the House free of charge to all members of the 8th Assembly.
“We the 9th Assembly Progressives believe that now is the God ordained time for him and we must to join our hands with the voice of the people, which is the voice of God.
“We the undersigned members -elect and returning members of the 9th Assembly Progressives hereby, adopt Femi Gbajabiamila as speaker and Ahmed Wase as deputy speaker of the 9th House of Representatives,” the group stated.
