By Ikechukwu Okaforadi, Musa Adamu and Christiana Ekpa
The National Assembly election has come and gone, with Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas emerging victorious. But the intrigues and scheming that led to the victory remain fresh in the minds of political observers. In this report, Peoples Daily correspondents take a review of the journey to the victory.
How the exercise commenced and ended in Senate
In the Senate, as early as 8am, all the senators were already seated, while security operatives overran the premises of the National Assembly, in preparation for the exercise. Gaining entrance into the parliament was not just hectic but also frightening.
On the floor of the Senate, the National Assembly Clark, Sani Magaji Tambawal, who read the letter from the President convening the 10th National Assembly, called for nomination of contestants.
At this juncture, Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) moved a motion nominating Akpabio, while Solomon Olamilekan (APC Ogun West) seconded the motion.
However, when the Clark called for further nominations, Elisha Abbo (APC Adamawa North) moved a motion nominating Abdul-Azeez Yari (APC, Zamfara South), but before that motion could be seconded, Senator Tahir Mongunu (APC, Borno North) opposed the motion on the ground that in line with senate standing order, Yari, being a first time senator, is not qualified to contest for Senate President.
Note that before the election day, there were rumors that the security operatives would arrest Yari or prevent him from entering the chambers, as a way to stop him from participating in the election.
It was also in the public knowledge that the President and some APC governors mounted pressure on Yari to suspend his ambition and step down, of which he remained adamant.
With this charged and volatile circumstance in the chamber, the opposition against his nomination by Mongunu shattered the expectation of a peaceful contest, though they later reconciled, as the Clark allowed Yari’s nomination to stand.
No gain saying the fact that tension rose and nerves flared up barely to the commencement of the exercise, even as supporters of Akpabio, including Olamilekan, Mongunu, Ndume, Dave Umahi, among others, continued to vehemently oppose the nomination of Sen. Yari by Elisha Abbo.
This opposition against Yari threw the chamber into chaos for a while, before the National Assembly Clark, Sani Magaji Tambawal, managed to restore otherliness. As nomination became closed, the stage was set for a straight contest between Yari and Akpabio.
Apparently assuming the rallying point of the opposition lawmakers-elect and aggrieved APC senators who were not comfortable with the zoning formula of the party, Yari eventually caved in to the superior numbers of Akpabio supporters, after about two hours secret balloting.
Immediately after he was announced winner by the returning officer, some APC governors who had stormed the Senate to witness the election, including: Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Abdullahi Sue of Nasarawa, Dapo Abiodum of Ogun, Babajide San-Nwolu of Lagos, among others, as well as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and former Governor of Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje, and APC National chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, exchange pleasantries with him.
Recall that before yesterday, President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) had signified interest in the candidature of Akpabio and Barau as their preferred candidates for both Senate President and Deputy.
However, this choice of the President and APC was not accepted by some northern senators and Northern political stakeholders, including Northern Elders Forum (NEF), who felt marginalised and aggrieved, hence they united behind Yari and Sani Musa to emerge Senate President and Deputy.
Incidentally, senator Jibril emerged unopposed as his main challenger, Sani Musa shelved his ambition at the last minute, while Yari went on with the contest.
Barau Jibril was nominated by former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, while Kwara Central senator, Salihu Mustapher seconded the motion.
Meanwhile, in his acceptance speech after his victory, Akpabio thanked his colleagues for the confidence reposed in his capacity to lead the 10th Senate, even as he promised to be one among the 109 Senators.
He said his tenure will focus on gender inclusion, sustaining economic and Social welfare and development of the country, especially the January-December budge calendar legacy of the 9th National Assembly.
While urging his colleagues to feel free to approach him on any issue, he expressed confidence that it is a new dawn for the country, having on board as President, a leader who was able to raise the revenue of Lagos State to an enviable heights it is today.
What transpired in House of Representatives
The power tussle for the just Elected position for the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly may have been the tense, yet a free warfare Assembly election since the invent of democracy in 1999, as it stand to be one the most eventful, power packed Assembly election with different Caucuses, group and traditional rulers interference.
Who became the winner of the just concluded last Tuesday Election was not clear until the dieing minute when the two Leading Aspirates namely Honourable Muktar Betara Aliyu (APC-Borno) and Honourable Yusuf Gagdi stepped down for the All Progressive Congress (APC) preffered Candidate and the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas
The drama, gang ups, politics of interest played in the process of the election have significant role in creating a history as the result announced by the Clerk of National Assembly indicate that this is the first time in history a Speaker will poll 353 votes of the 359 Members Present during the Inauguration.
The result announced by Clerk for the shows that out of total number of 359 Members present during the inauguration, 353 voted for Abbas, Wase secured three votes while Sani Jaji also polled three votes.
The process of the election witnessed one of the G6 aspirants, Honourable Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau) and other members-elect from Plateau State, who are kinsmen to Wase, voted en-masse for Abbas. In the same vein, aside from Jaji, who voted for himself, all the six members-elect from Zamfara State voted for Abbas.
Just as the leading aspirants and members of the G6 coalition, namely Honourable Muktar Betara Aliyu (APC-Borno) and Honourable Yusuf Gagdi voted for Abbas, as It would be recalled that both aspirants after series of meetings with President Tinubu and vice president, Kashim Shettima agreed to drop their speakership ambitions and adopted Abbas.
The preffered candidate of the APC, Honourable Abbas (APC-Kaduna) emerged as the Speaker of the 10th session of the House. In the same vein, Honourable Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia) emerged as Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly unopposed. He was nominated by Honourable Babajimi Benson.
It was as also a very dramatic, moment as Honourable Akinremi Olaide (APC-Oyo) who is the Director General for Honourable Sani Jaji, voted for Honourable Abbas.
The deputy Clerk for the National Assembly (DCNA), Mr Kamoru Ogunlana, who read the president’s proclamation had announced that the method of election would be by open ballot as prescribed by the 10th edition of the Standing Order, Order Two Rule 3 (f)(iii). Order Two Rule 3(g).
Abass’ nomination as Speaker was done by the immediate past Majority Leader, Honourable Alhassan Ado-Doguwa who also aspirated for the Speakership position and seconded by Honourable Nnolim Nnaji (PDP-Enugu) in pursuant to Order 2(2, 3 and 4) of the Standing Order.
Ado-Doguwa explained that the nominee has the parliamentary experience, competent and the capacity to relate with other arms of government, to preside over the 10th Assembly and Abbas In line with the provisions of the Standing Order, accepted the nomination.
Wase was nominated by Honourable Tijani Kayode Ibrahim (APC-Kwara) and seconded by Honourable Mohammed Abdulmumin (APC-Nasarawa). In his speech, Wase who accepted the nomination, assured Nigerians of his readiness to serve in the capacity.
In the same vein, Honourable Sani Jaji (APC-Zamfara) was nominated by Honourable Yusuf Ibrahim (APC-Katsina) and seconded by Honourable Ahmed Ibrahim (APC-Katsina).
According to the Deputy Clerk for the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, who presided over the inauguration and election of the presiding officers, every member voting shall name in the open any member to be voted for. Hence, all the 359 members in accordance to the roll call, announced their preferred candidate.
At the end of the voting, Abbas emerged as the Speaker of the 10th Assembly. Honourable Victor Ogene, who earlier said his heart was with Wase, resolved to vote Abbas.
The only female member of the G6 coalition, Honourable Miriam Onuoha (APC-Imo) also voted for Abbas. Contrary to the notice issued earlier, the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, which was slated to commence by 10am, took place at about 8.30am, amid tight security. Senators and members-elect were driven in high-capacity buses into National Assembly complex and accompanied by a security convoy.
Abbas swearing and wives drama
A mild drama ensued as wives of Tajudeen Abbas, the new speaker, shoved each other for recognition during the swearing in ceremony. The incident occurred after Abbas had been elected speaker by a landslide.
All seemed to be going on well when Abbas was ushered onto the stage to take his pledge of allegiance.
Kamoru Ogunlana, deputy clerk of the house, recited the oaths for the new speaker to respond to.
Abbas was flanked on his left by his wife and Alhassan Doguwa, lawmaker representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada federal constituency.
The two wives of the Nigerian Newly elected speaker honourable Tajjuddeen Abbas has taken their Kiciya feud to the national Assembly and disparagingly disgracing themselves and their darling honourable in the full view of the world.
Abass agenda as Speaker
Abbas assured Nigerians of his resolve towards enactment of legislations that will promote entrepreneurship, support small and medium-scale enterprises, diversify our economy, provide sustainable employment opportunities for our youth as well as address myriads of challenges bedevilling education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors amongst other.
Reading his inaugural speech, he applauded his colleagues for the support accorded him “as the Speaker of the Nigerian people.”
He promising that the 10th Assembly under his watch will introduce reforms and innovations for the benefit of Nigerians, he pledged to work closely and inter-dependently with the Executive and Judiciary to give Nigerians the good governance, adding that the collaboration will be anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
Abass said: “It is worthy to note that speakership campaign witnessed in the past few months was democracy at play. But today, all of that has come to pass, and it is time to forge ahead and work together for our people for our common good.
“I do not take this mandate bestowed on me as the Nigerian Speaker for granted. I want to assure you today that I shall be just and fair to every one of you irrespective of our perceived differences. I shall operate a House that you all will be proud of. I shall be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the House Rules. Our doors will be open for members of APC, PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, APGA, SDP, ADC and YPP as we strongly believe nation building is a Joint Task.
“Honourable Colleagues, under my watch, the 10th House shall sustain and even surpass the gains of the 9th House. That is my prayer. We shall carry out the Task before us Jointly. We shall introduce reforms and innovations for the benefit of Nigerians. In a few weeks, we shall be reeling out the legislative agenda that will shape the 10th House of Representatives.
“We shall work closely and inter-dependently with the Executive and Judiciary to give Nigerians the good governance they deserve. We stand at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history, where challenges abound, but so do opportunities. We will champion legislations that will uplift the lives of our fellow citizens, promote social justice, and drive sustainable development.
“We will focus on strengthening our security apparatus, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to combat insurgency, terrorism, and all forms of criminalities. We aim to help create a safe and secure environment that fosters economic growth and social stability.
“Through legislations, the 10th House will promote entrepreneurship and support small and medium-scale enterprises. We shall diversify our economy and provide sustainable employment opportunities for our youth. We are aware of the challenges in our education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors amongst other.”
Real fact for Wase, Jaji failure
Fresh facts emerged over the real reasons the two speakership nominees: Wase and Jaji lost the election for the 10th session of the House.
A lawmakers, who spoke on the matter under condition of anonymity, claimed that the duo failed to reach consensus with other lawmakers and were unable to produce a running mate as at the time of the election. He observed that the two aspirants, who were part of the G6 coalition, failed to reach a compromise with other allies, as well as refused to concede to deputise them during the series of meetings held to produce a consensus candidate for the speaker and deputy speaker respectively.
According to him, the immediate past deputy speaker and Jaji, who was the Director General of the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s campaign organisation in the North-West, did not have a deputy as at the time of the election, which eventually produced Honourable Abbas as speaker and Honourable Benjamin Kalu as deputy speaker.
He said: “it was glaring that the two nominees came to the election ground unprepared. Their undoing started from the point where they couldn’t align with their contemporaries in the G6. The fallout of such uncompromising stance that both of them took, led to their inability to get someone as running mate till the time of the election. As you know, politics is a matter of give and take. You cannot go into such election without a running mate. As you also observed, the only female aspirant among them, eventually voted for Honourable Tajudeen Abbas. That shows how uncoordinated they were and the result was evident.
We will resist any Executive moves not in public interest —Abbas
After his inauguration, newly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas dismissed insinuation that the 10th National Assembly would be a rubber stamp to Executive whims and caprices, saying that under him, the House would resist any moves that would be in conflict with public interest.
He spoke to correspondents on Tuesday after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja moments after his inauguration as Speaker.
Joined by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Ben Kalu, he had been asked about his view on the fears expressed in some quarters about the 10th assembly becoming a rubber stamp.
He said: “Well, if you talk about rubber stamp, look at the acceptance rate, those who have elected us, those across party lines, almost all the whole entire PDP, SDP, ADC and all other minority parties voted us.
“So, if they felt that we are going to be rubber stamps, do think they will elect us? No. They believe that we will safeguard the sanctity of the National Assembly, the legislature. We will always separate our independence and we will relate and be able to harmonize with the executive where necessary.
“But where if there is a conflict of interest where we feel that the executive is or wants to do something that is not in the interest of the public, they know that we’ll stand up against that.”
The Speaker also maintained that there was never any doubt that he would be elected given the amount of support he enjoyed among his colleagues, saying, “what I can tell you is that right from day one, when we started this campaign, it was always good. But the impact of social media propaganda of some of the contestants distorted the entire picture of what was on the ground.
“But To God be the glory, today, people have seen our level of popularity and acceptance by our members and it has put to shame those who always thought that we were imposed by the party and that we don’t have the numbers.
“Today, people have seen that we established record that has never been established in the past, 353 out of 359 members electing us. It is unprecedented. It has never ever happened in the history of Parliament.”
In his remark, the Deputy Speaker said while campaigning, they had promised Nigerians that they would ensure that they worked jointly with other arms of government for nation building.
Kalu said: “We promised that we are going to be there to make sure we’re at our own bricks to the nation building wall. And this extends to creation of jobs, reduction of poverty, policies that go into enhancing our energy sources, policies that will help us create more local content usage in this country.
“Manufacturing now help us reduce importation and increase exportation that will stimulate our economy. And as you see in the past 15 days, Mr. President has been taking the right decisions you know, on issues.
“We want to sustain that through legislative support, legislative intervention to make sure that together, we build a nation we will be proud of.”
