By Olugbenga Salami
Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, a civil society organisation, CSO known as the Initiative for Leadership Development and Change, ILDC, has endorsed the All Progressives Congress, APC anointed candidates for the position of Speaker, Tajudeen Abass and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu in the House of Representatives, respectively.
This was even as the group pledged a donation of N5million to the Abbas/Kalu campaign as part of its support for the duo.
Members of the Leadership Centre, announced the endorsement and pledge when they paid a courtesy visit to the Communication Adviser to Tajudeen/Ben Kalu Movement group (TBK), Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, at the campaign headquarters in Abuja.
Addressing Ugochinyere, the ILDC country heads, High Chief Ugochukwu Nnam and Bashir Abubakar Shehu, said after taking time to study all aspirants, they came to the conclusion that the ruling party made the right choice in choosing Abbas and Kalu to be the presiding officers of the 10th House of Representatives.
ILDC described the duo as calm and intelligent men, who have right educational backgrounds and legislative experience for the positions.
According to the group, Abbas and Kalu, from their legislative track record, it shows that they are core parliamentarians, who over the years took their jobs seriously.
While noting that the duo’s achievements have placed them above other aspirants, the group appealed to the aggrieved aspirants to sheath their swords and support Abass and Kalu.
He added that in addition to the monetary donation, they will be lobbying more lawmakers to support the duo too.
He said: “The time when lawmakers will elect the next leadership of the National Assembly is almost here. We are here as citizens who care about our nation. The development of any nation depends on the kind of leaders we elect. I believe the National Working Committee of the APC did a thorough research before arriving on the decision of Abbas and Kalu as Speaker, Deputy Speaker.
“The duo’s achievements have placed them among the best. They have sponsored the highest number of Bills in the lower chamber in the history of Nigeria.
“Also, their performances in their previous offices and contributions to democracy in the country is equally admirable. We urge the aggrieved aspirants to be like their colleagues, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman, and Hon. Abdulhameed Olawuyi and jettison their ambitions and support Abbas and Kalu.
“Aside the endorsement, we will be donating N5million and also lobby more Lawmakers to support them. We have made commitment to meet all members-elect to lobby them to vote Tajudeen and Kalu.
“We will consult our representatives, it’s the ticket we have seen that has competence and inclusiveness. They are young and competent and we believe they will turn around the image of the National Assembly for good.”
Receiving the group, Ugochinyere who’s also a member-elect for Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State, expressed optimism that Abbas and Kalu will be victorious, saying that they were currently enjoying support of over 200 members-elect.
While thanking them for their support, he told the group Abbas and Kalu State caucuses meeting to consolidate victory will start on Monday.
Ugochinyere said, “You’re all welcomed, I appreciate the commitment your group has shown in helping to lobbying other members-elect for the success of this event.
“More importantly is coming all the way to show evidence of that support and believing in their candidacy, I pray God will help us in achieving this. It’s important I highlight some facts about Tajudeen and Kalu, their background, so you understand the kind of leadership to expect. Abbas was a lecturer before he came to the National Assembly and has chaired different committees, currently chairing Land Transport.
“When you check the primary responsibility of a lawmaker which is to make law, he’s number one. This is facts, not a propaganda, he has over 74 impactful Bills to his name with 21 signed into law.
“Kalu, the deputy Speaker aspirant, has held admirable leadership positions before coming to House of Representatives and as a first-timer, he became the image maker of the House. He marketed the image of the House well, with over 40 Bills to his name, he has the rich legislative experience to be Deputy Speaker. With his background as a lawyer, he will effectively chair the constitution amendment committee.
“This ticket is important because we have competence, inclusivity and they will help ensure a country that works. They are very committed. Like you said earlier, the success of any administration depends largely on the kind of National Assembly leadership in place.
“We may be from opposition Parties but to have a productive, stable and united 10th House of Representatives, we will give President Tinubu the required support and cooperation.
“And the ruling party made the right choice in selecting Abbas and Kalu as Speaker and Deputy Speaker candidates. While many of their colleagues were focused on things that are probably for their personal gains, Abass and Kalu focused on their core mandate, the main objective of their coming to the National Assembly.
“It is only appropriate that members-elect of the 10th House queue behind Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu to deliver the good governance for the benefit of Nigerians.”
