10th NASS Speakership: Wase vows never to step down

By Egena Sunday Ode

There are clear indications that the gaps in efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to narrow the contention in the race for the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly has continued to increase as many of the frontliners have continued their campaigns in defiance of the consensus arrangement being preached by the party.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, who is believed to be one of the candidates to beat said on Friday that there was no going back on the race, adding that he won’t step down for any contender.
Wase made this assertion at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.
The APC had earlier announced that it had zoned the position to the Northwest and zeroed in on Tajudeen Abass, a development that had triggered protests by lawmakers-elect especially those that had indicated interest in the plum position.
Their grouse is that the party’s National Working Committee took the decision without consulting with them.
Wase said, “I am in the race, and by the grace of God, I am going to conclude the race. I have not withdrawn or stepped down for anybody.”
However, he argued that the National Working Committee (NWC) letter, which outlined the zoning as advisory, also allows for continued discussions on the matter.
According to Wase, the advisory nature of the letter contradicts the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, Section 14(4) as amended.
He stated that Section 14(4) of the Nigerian Constitution states that the composition of the Government of the Federation, including its agencies, should reflect the federal character of Nigeria.
He emphasised that this provision aims to promote national unity, avoid the dominance of individuals from specific states or ethnic groups, and ensure the loyalty and harmony of the nation.
Highlighting the importance of diversity in leadership, Wase emphasised that Nigeria has six geopolitical zones and that the government currently comprises six presiding officers.
Also, he argued that neglecting the deputy speaker position for his zone would not only be contrary to the constitutional principle of federal character but would also disregard the significant support and votes his region has contributed to the government.
“I am not just speaking for myself,” Wase asserts, underlining the shared sentiments among his fellow candidates. You can’t bring a deputy senate president, but you can give us the deputy speaker role.
“You cannot neglect us, even though we have given one of the best outcomes in terms of voting and support to the government,” he said.