By Brown Chimezie

A member representing Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Tijani Damisa, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, to zone the speakership of the House of Representatives to the North Central geo-political zone.

While speaking with one of our correspondents on why he is hell bent that Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase becomes the speaker of the 10th House of Representatives against his other colleagues vying for the revered position, Hon. Tijani said his support for him is primarily based on character, competence and capacity.

“Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase is an astute politician, a de-tribalized Nigerian, a technocrat per excellence, a team player, a unifier, a man who believes in the ability of humanity irrespective of religion or region, a high ranking legislator full of legislative experience both in Nigeria and beyond, an advocate for peace and peaceful coexistence. He is the most experienced of all other aspirants currently eyeing the seat.”

On the issue of zoning, Tijani said, “In line with the principle of Federal Character enshrined in the constitution, after the presidency in the South West, Vice President in North-East and the senate presidency expected to be zoned to the South-East or the South-South, the next zone to be settled is the North-Central or North-West.

“But looking at the advent of democracy in Nigeria since 1999 till date, the North-West has produced four speakers, namely: Salisu Buhari, Ghali Na’abba, Aminu Masari and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

“And again, we cannot take the speaker to the North-East where our Vice President is from or put it in the North-West that has produced four speakers before and now abandoned the current Deputy Speaker who hails from the North-Central, a region that has never occupied that seat; the Deputy Speaker whose shoulder the famed anchor of stability of the 9th House has been resting due to his diligence and loyalty to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila and the party, APC.

“If such thing is allowed to happen, by the time a Speaker emerges, where will he be placed? Do you want him to be a floor member, where a whooping number of 300 out of 360 members will be stepping into the chamber for the first time ever? No, I don’t think it will be fair enough.”

When asked if his state governor is in support of Hon. Wase’s aspiration, he said, “His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello is my leader and great benefactor. Thus, I cannot take such a decision alone without his directive or approval. Of course, he gave his blessings. And as we all know, Governor Yahaya Bello doesn’t mince his word. He is not only courageous but straightforward. And by the grace of God, he will be the most senior governor on May 30 as many other governors will go on May 29. Therefore, he has a significant role to play which he has already started.”