Speakership: Iriase withdraws for Gbajabiamila


Another strong contender for the speakership of the 8th House of Representatives, Mr. Pally Iriase, on Thursday, withdrew from the race.

In taking the decision, Iriase, an All Progressives Congress lawmaker from Edo State, declared his suppot for the candidature of the House Minority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Iriase took the decision barely three days after another contestant, Mr. Mohammed Monguno, also stepped down for Gbajabiamila.

Iriase said apart from trusting Gbajabiamila to preside over the next House, he had also come to the realisation that “acrimonious contest” for the position of the Speaker was unnecessary.

“With a deep sense of responsibility and sacrificial self-denial, I have decided, despite my robust qualifications, to quit the race and to fully support Gbajabiamila, the current Minority Leader, for the job,” Iriase told a news conference in Abuja.

Gbajabiamila, the Chairman, Committee on House Services, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, and Iriase have been the front runners for the number four job in the country.

However, the steps taken by Iriase and Monguno to back Gbajamialia were seen as moves to block the chances of Dogara, believed to be the minority leader’s real challenger.

Dogara (Bauchi State) and Monguno (Borno State) are from the North-East geopolitical zone.

Explaining why he backed Gbajabiamila instead of Dogara, the Edo lawmaker stated that the speakership of Dogara was not feasible in the present political arrangement in the country, saying it would not guarantee the equality of the North and the South in the sharing of key offices.

Iriase argued that it would be unfair for the North to produce the President, the Senate President, the Speaker and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, while leaving the South with only the position of the Vice President.

He said, “The reason is that a Dogara speakership under the current reality will be insensitive, repugnant to equity and good conscience and will not be feasible, as it flies in the face of all precedents and the principle of Federal Character.

“The other reasons are that Gbajabiamila is detribalised, urbane, cerebral and independent-minded.

“He has been with us in the trenches for opposition politics, armed with stoic vision of a better Nigeria.”

Reacting to Iraise’s decision, Gbajabiamila, who was elated, described it as a “welcome development.”

He said, “This is giving us the geographical spread that we need; two people have so far stepped down for me.”

Asked for his opinion on zoning, Gbajabiamila said that he was running his campaign, irrespective of what the “thinking” of the APC might be on the zoning of political offices.

He said he had always held the belief that the best candidate should emerge as the Speaker with the backing of the majority of members.

Copyright PUNCH.

http://www.punchng.com/politics/speakership-iriase-withdraws-for-gbajabiamila/

APC settling their issues pragmatically and maturely , in Nigerian parlance, small small

We told some haters that APC can resolve it's issues, but their envy and dark soul will never make them agree. They have been predicting doom for APC since inception, and they have been pathetically disappointed all the way

When chairmanship tussle came up, they started salivating and gallivanting about claiming the demise of APC is bout to happen. The issue was resolved and the chairman eventually picked performed credibly well in managing the party.

When the choice of VP arose, these children of hate and anger was there as well with their evil wish of confusion. But God disappointed them by bringing forth his servant, a very intelligent gentleman and a thorough professional. I describe the VP Elect, Prof Yemi Osinbajo as the new administration's 'game changer'. All of u haters will see his sterling performance with your very eyes.

The haters are still not relenting, only God knows where haters derive their energy from. Dem no dey tire. They are already rejoicing that...yes! distribution of positions in the NA will finally scatter the APC but they are in for a rude shock.

APC is a child of destiny at these trying times. God allowed them the victory to use them to write a better story for Nigeria. And every sane Nigerian should support them.

Gbajabiamila is an intelligent and well experienced member of the House of Rep. He'll make a fine Speaker.

Haters should pls downtool and use their energy to pray for the success of the new administration as all of us, including our friends, families and acquaintances will be the beneficiaries of the good governance.

May God furnish MBuhari/PYO with wisdom and strength to take Nigeria far far higher than they met it.

Amen.

And that is what is obtainable in a mature society! Thanks Iriase for Femi is the best option.

Pally Iriase is a smart man, he knew he had no hope of attaining that position but in order to get "compensated" with a juicy committee chairman position, the only way to go is to vie, withdraw towards the very "end" be seen as a good "sportsman".

Way to go.

God bless him for this good move.
Gbajabiamila, Gods willing you will be the next speaker!

Gbajabiamila for speaker

The coast is getting clearer for Femi Gbajabiamila to become Speaker.

If this sails through, I think Lawan will likely be Senate President. And if Saraki is decided as the Senate president, I believe Femi's chances will be diminished.

We are watching.

In Reminisce voice "all i wanna do. Is-make FP"

Gbaja is eminently qualified to be speaker. I ll be glad if he emerges. I really don't know much about the other guy.

But if gbaja wins,he should purge himself of opposition politics. He has been in the opposition long enough that he might just be used to always opposing.lol

Nigeria needs a speaker who ll put this country first. Nobody should negotiate away our common good.

thanks

I BELIEVE GOD IS AT WORK... BUT LET US STILL PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS TO HAVE THE INTEREST OF THE NATION IN MIND ABOVE OTHER INTEREST.
SO HELP US GOD
AMEN....

This is a bad news for childrel of hateist