Press Release

Why The Tajudeen/Kalu ticket must be be Sustained!

By

Coalition of APC Northwest Support Group

In a representative democracy, citizens participation in politics is vital to the sustenance of democracy, both as a process, and an institution.

It is no surprise, as the leadership tussle of the 10th National Assembly gathers steam, so is citizen's involvement in process. Although, the process of selecting the next Speaker of the 10th National Assembly is the exclusive prerogative of members-elect, but, as citizens, with equal stake, it is democratic to watch over the process, as events unfold.

The leadership of APC, the NWC, had endorsed candidates for the 10th president of the Senate and House of Representatives. As expected, Speakership aspirants who lost out in the zoning arrangements opposed with stiff resistance such pronouncements. That in itself is a democratic culture. Conceding defeat, in any political contestations is one of the most difficult act.

Regardless, it should be done with decorum and tact. But, the open threat, by those who lost out,to dump the party and engage in anti-party, to revolt against the party by means of colluding with the opposition to install a leadership, is such a brash and total neglect to supremacy of political party.

The Coalition of APC Northwest Support Group, is keenly watching over the situation. As a group with equal stake in the development of democratic values, in northern Nigeria, and the country in general, decided to weigh in on the conversation by make the following pronouncements.

1. Hon Tajudeen Abass, the party's endorsed candidate has whatever it takes to be speaker of the 10th House of Representatives. Having come from the region which gave the APC the highest number of votes(North-west), of 2,652,824, it became imperative and justifiable to do so, morally and politically.

2. Hon Tajudeen Abass, currently the House Committee Chairman on Land Transport, has been in the House since 2011. He is a ranking Member with vast experience. He served in different committees which include, National Planning & Economic Development, Public Procurement, Social Duties, Defense, Finance and Commerce. He equally served as Vice Chair, of the all important Legislative Compliance Committee from May 2011 to May.

3. The highpoint of Hon. Tajudeen Abass's parliamentary service to the nation, was evidently in the 9th House of Representatives. He set the record of a Member with the most Bills. He sponsored 74 of such Bills, out of which 21 were signed into law by the President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Such milestone is unprecedented, and speaks volume of his legislative prowess. So, if experience was the yardstick to gauge one's performance, Hon Abass has enough of it.
He understood the tempest and complexity nature of the House of Representatives, having being there for 12 unbroken years. As such, he will be a Speaker, for all Nigerians, regardless of creed or political leanings.

4. Though calm and unassuming, Hon Tajudeen Abass is a transformational leader who has the needed capacity and capabilities to steer the affairs of the 10th National Assembly, as Speaker. Being combative, loquacious and flippant does not define transformational leadership of such an all important democratic institution.

5. Hon Tajudeen Abass is a suave and cosmopolitan lawmaker. He is in tune with the dynamics of the Nigerian State. His relationship with colleagues from other region, and different faith is reassuring to the point where we shall see a vibrant 10th House of Representatives, under him.

6. Hon Benjamin Kalu, the party's candidate for Deputy Speaker, from South-East is a resourceful and vibrant parliamentarian. Having come from the South East, his choice for DS, will address the issue of inclusiveness, marginalization, faith ànd balance of political power.


7. Hon Benjamin Kalu, as spokesperson of the 9th Assembly, is well grounded in parliamentarian activities.
Within the short time spent in the House of Representatives, his trajectory of excellence legislative service to the nation is commendable. He sponsored over 40 Bills. Some of which were equally signed into law by the president of the country, Muhammad Buhari

8. As spokesperson and image maker of the 10th House of Representatives, the tedious task was very demanding, yet Hon Kalu combined with precision his mandate to his constituents, and service to fatherland.
That he won reelection, in a hotly contested polls, in southeast despite the strength of the opposition is a remarkable ante.


9. That the party admitted to not consult widely, is equally democratic, it shows the APC is a democratic and progressive political institution.
But so far, the Tajudeen/Kalu ticket should be sacrosanct and cast in steel, because it is a balanced ticket which address all issues and concerns.

10. The Tajudeen/Kalu ticket, remains the formidable game changer for a robust lawmaking and leadership of the 10th House of Representatives. Both individuals come with immense experience, capacity of service delivery and competence.

11. We call on the president-elect, governors, APC NWC, stakeholders, opposition to preserve and sustain this zoning arrangements,(Tajudeen/Kalu ticket), while fine-tuning means of addressing grievances of those who lost out. After all, enough will go round.

10. Both Hon Abass and Kalu should, continue to reach out to colleagues, mend fences, make concessions and capitulations in the interest of peace, fairness and unity of the country.
In the spirit and greater unity of the country, all aggrieved Members, should tread with caution and call their teeming supporters to order, to align with party's decision.

Lastly, Hon Abass and Kalu, should be guided by the spirit of reconciliation, and be Speaker & Deputy Speaker for all Nigerians, regardless of class or differences, to ensure the Asiwaju mantra of a Renewed Hope, is sustained, implemented and achieved, inorder to build a Nigeria of our dream, where prosperity, peace and development will reign supreme.


Signed.

Auwal Shuaibu Gumel
Coordinator


Abdullahi D Muhammed
Secretary