All speakers of KWHA since 1999 are first time members- KMC

Leading Pro-democracy group in Kwara state, Kwara Must Change has rubbished claims by some stakeholders that only a second term member should be given the speakership position of the Kwara State House of Assembly.

In a statement personally signed by President of Kwara Must Change, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the group said since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999, all speakers of the Kwara State House of Assembly are first time members and on no occasion has a second term member become speaker.

"Since 1999 till date, all speakers of the Kwara State House of Assembly are first time members".

Recall that Kwara Must Change had declared it's support for Kwara North senatorial district to be considered for the speakership position of Kwara State House of Assembly.

According to Hamzat, Kwara Must Change support for Kwara North to produce speaker is not only right and proper on the basis of fairness and equity, it is also inline with the history of our democratic practice in the 4th Republic.

"All over the country, the 3 major positions are usually shared among the 3 senatorial districts and this means that, if Kwara Central have the governor, Kwara South has deputy governor, the third position, which is the speaker should automatically go to the third district, which is Ķwara North".

Hamzat also explained that, there's no rule that said only a second term member should be speaker. Such rule do not exist, at least in Kwara State and the history of speakership in the state can testify to this. He said.

According to him, Hon. Benjamin Isah was a first timer when he became Speaker of KWHA, Hon. Ibrahim Bio Isa was a first timer, his successor from Kwara South, Hon. Balogun was a first timer, Hon. Rasaq Atunwa was first timer and the current speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon Ali Ahmad is also a first timer.

In the history of Kwara State in this 4th Republic, there has never been a debate over whether or not first term or second term member should be speaker and that argument should not happen now.

According to the Kwara Must Change convener, it is unthinkable for anyone from Kwara South to be thinking of having the speakership position, knowing fully well that Kwara South already has the deputy governor, party chairman and even the current minister.

The group therefore appeal to all stakeholders to support Kwara North to ensure there's balance and equity.

KWARA MUST CHANGE