By Egena Sunday Ode
The path seems to be clear for Tajuddeen Abass and Benjamin Kalu to secure the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, in the House of Representatives.
This comes as two prominent contenders decided to step down and lend their support to the All Progressives Congress (APC) zoning arrangement.
Aliyu Betara from Borno State and Yusuf Gadgi from Plateau State withdrew their ambitions after a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
The meeting witnessed the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President, and Speaker of the 9th National Assembly, Femi Gbajabiamila, along with Niger State Governor ,Mohammed Bago.
Following the meeting, VP Kashim Shettima addressed journalists, highlighting President Tinubu’s satisfaction with the decision of Aliyu Betara and Yusuf Gadgi to prioritize the interests of the party over personal ambitions.
He further urged other contenders vying for the speaker’s position to follow suit, setting aside their aspirations and collaborating with the party to foster national unity, equity, fairness, and justice.
