Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the weekend, hosted aspirant for Speakership of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, and members of his Joint Task Team in their maiden consultative engagement to seek bipartisan support of the governors.
At the engagement held at the State House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu told the Reps members-elect that the incoming leadership of the 10th National Assembly (NASS) should reflect the diversity of the country, describing both NASS chambers as “people’s houses.”
Sanwo-Olu pointed out that the race to fill the principal positions of the parliament usually involved fierce competition that would pit members against one another, but he said the objective for vying for presiding seats in the legislature should reflect the interests and aspirations of the people.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has a majority of members-elect in both chambers of the National Assembly and it is expected to form the next leadership. The party recently nominated Hon. Abass, representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, as Speaker, and Hon. Benjamin Kalu, representing Bende Constituency of Abia State, as Deputy Speaker.
The 10th Assembly is scheduled to convene on June 13, 2023 the same day lawmakers-elect will choose their presiding officers.
Sanwo-Olu said the unity of the country was more important than the speakership aspirants’ ambition, adding: “This race to elect leadership in the House of Representatives should reflect the true federal composition and political diversity of the country. 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 hand of comradeship to every member.
Sanwo-Olu charged Abass and his team to brace up for the task ahead, urging the speakership aspirant to bring his political experience and academic pedigree to bear if elected. The task before the next assembly, the governor stressed, is to meet and surpass achievements recorded by the 9th assembly.