Legislators Propose Gbajabiamila, Jibrin for Speaker, D/Speaker

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila

... As Jagaba Joins Race

By Muhammad Bello in Abuja

A new dimension to the race for the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives emerged Wednesday as it was gathered that some members of the House of Representatives have proposed that Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos) should partner with Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin (APC, Kano) to be Speaker and deputy Speaker respectively when the 8th Assembly is inaugurated in June.

This is as Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba, representing Kachia/Kagarko federal constituency in Kaduna state joins the race, bringing the number of the candidates to seven.

According to a reliable source privy to the deliberations of the pro-Jibrin group, the envisaged arrangement is that Gbajabiamila will be the ace candidate for the Speaker's office because of seniority among the contenders.

"He is a ranking member of the House and given APC's grip on the South-West, you will agree with me that the choice of Gbajabiamila is most appropriate in this circumstance.

"Also, the consideration of Jibrin as the deputy speaker is not out of place because the APC is solidly on ground too in the North-West and his knowledge of the economy will be an added advantage," the source said.

However, THISDAY checks reveal that although the matter of Jibrin deputising for Gbajabiamila is on the table, it is yet to be considered by him (Gbajabiamila) and his think tank.

"As I speak with you there is a meeting going on between Gbajabiamila and legislators from the South-West over the ratification of his quest and how to support him. But we are yet to discuss the issue of Jibrin," a source told our correspondent.

According to him, "some legislators, who support Jibrin are actually those that broached the idea of him teaming up with Gbajabiamila. But up till now he (Gbajabiamila) is yet to come up with any answer to their proposal."

Meanwhile, Jagaba indicated interest to join the contest this week, thus swelling the ranks of those gunning for the number four seat. The others are the minority leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos),
Hon. Yakubu Dogara (Bauchi), Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno), Hon. Pally Iriase (Edo), Hon. Abdulmumini Jibril (Kano) and Hon. Ajibola Famurewa (Osun) have all declared their intention earlier.

According to Jagaba, he joined the race because he has garnered the "requisite" legislative experience, having been in the lower chamber since 2003.

Jagaba and Jibrin are both from the Northwest geo-political zone.

In a statement by his senior media aide, Aaron S. Akaito yesterday, Jagaba said he wll "contest for whatever position his party. (All Progressives Congress) may zone to the North West in the House of Representatives.

"This aspiration arises from the fact that being a third timer in the lower chamber,  Hon. Jagaba has the requisite qualification and experience to lead the House in any capacity."

He reasoned that since "the president-elect is from the major tribe in the North West zone, thus, in order to engender balance, fairness and give a sense of belonging, it is logical to cede such position to the minority tribes from the zone."