10th Assembly Speakership: I am the force that will address Structural Reform – Rep AbdulReheem

By Christiana Ekpa

A 3rd Time Member of the House of Representatives Representing Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, in Kware State, Hon AbdulRaheem Tunji Olawuyi has disclosed that he is the right candidate for the Speakership position of the 10th Assembly who will ensure the Government address the structural reforms that will make the House more responsive to the needs of the citizens.
Hon. AbdulRaheem who openly declared his intention for contest for the 10th Assembly Speakership position on Tuesday in Abuja, said Nigerians are in need of courageous and competent leaders that will change things positively for the generality of Nigerians.
Peoples Daily Reports that, other lawmakers including the Deputy Speaker of the 9th Assembly Idris Wase, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Muktar Betara Aliyu and the Spokeperson of the House among others are also in the race even though they have not openly declared for the race.
In his declaration speech, Hon. AbdulRaheem said, “My aspiration is built on principles that I believe are essential to guiding the House of
Representatives through these challenging times. These include:
Promoting transparency and accountability in the operations of the House of Representatives. Our citizens have a right to know what is happening in their government, and we will be transparent and accountable to the people to ensure that we can honestly win their trust, confidence and support.
“Prioritizing Bills that are aimed at improving the lives of our constituents – such as affordable healthcare, security, education and job creation etc.
“Fostering a spirit of bi-partisanship and cooperation in the House. Only by working together, can we successfully tackle the issues that confront our nation. And we are well prepared to use the mandate of Nigerians to make laws that will ensure good governance for Nigeria.
“Finally, I believe that we need to address structural reforms that will make the House more responsive to the needs of our citizens. I assure you that if elected, I will work with you as equals to pass pro-people Bills and to
promote policies that will benefit all Nigerians from various backgrounds, as well as work with all parties and stakeholders to unify the country.
“I am genuinely looking forward to meeting fellow lawmakers, sharing my vision with them, and listening to their ideas on how best to improve the lives of our people through good governance.
I would like to end by thanking you for taking the time to listen to my aspiration today. By electing me as your Speaker, J promise to lead the House with utmost integrity commitment and dedication to our collective cause of keeping the Hope Alive.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) lawmaker further said
“I congratuate everyone of my esteemed honourable colleagues on the victorious outcome of your elections to represent your constituencies at the House of Representatives of 10th Assembly. Our victories represent our desire to keep Hope Alive for our democracy and nation.
“I stand before you today to officially declare my candidacy for the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly.
As many of you have noticed, our country is facing unprecedented challenges at this time. The challenges range from security to the economic downturn which has been unprecedented in the history of our nation, and it is crystal clear that Nigerians are in need of courageous and competent leaders at all levels that will take over from the outgoing leaders with the expectation that things will change positively for the generality of Nigerian who have through the ballot have overwhelmingly given their support through the ballot to the APC to continue to manage the affairs of our dear country for the next 4 years .
“The challenges of leadership are no doubt daunting and the expectations of Nigerians are nonetheless very high, this new administration will be committed to fix the identified challenges and provide the needed political, economic, social direction that would inspire a “Renewed Hope” for our country and its people.
“Today, God in his infinite mercy has graciously put us in a partnership position, as Legislators, with the Executive and the Judiciary, to keep this Hope Alive for our dear countrymen and women, irrespective of tribal or religious differences, age, sex, political affiliations or any other parochial sentiments. With the elections concluded, the time of partisanship is over, and now is the time for partnership and nation building!
“It is this partnership that has brought us here today, even though we do not belong to the same political parties, the Hope Alive objective of the 10th Assembly is for a Better Nigeria with the Renewed Hope of shared prosperity for all Nigerians and by all Nigerians in our collective desire for security, unity and development of our nation and its teeming population.
“I have the passion vision, experience, capacity, competence, courage, humility, patriotism the requisite knowledge and capacity to provide the required and equitable leadership, that ensures inclusive participation of all members to pilot the affairs of the House and the country in the right direction, in line with our constitutional mandate and collective aspirations of the people we represent.
“It is therefore on this premise that I solemnly present myself to you in good conscience before God and Nigerians, in anticipation of your support to elect me as your Speaker in the 10th Assembly, to provide an effective and efficient leadership for this Assembly.”