Factors that produced Akpabio, Abbas emerged as Senate president, Speaker

The battle for the position of the president of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the new political dispensation may have been the keenest since the restoration of democracy in 1999. LEON USIGBE, TAIWO AMODU and KEHINDE AKINTOLA capture some behind-the-scene activities and drama that threw up the new leadership of the National Assembly.

Former Akwa- Ibom State Governor and Senator representing Akwa— Ibom North West, Godswill Akpabio emerged on Tuesday as President of the Senate. In a chamber of 109 senators, the former Minority Leader in the  eighth Senate polled 63 votes to defeat his rival from Zamfara West, AbdulAziz Yari, who scored 46 votes. For the office of deputy president of the Senate, the All Progressives Congress (APC) favoured candidate and senator representing Kano North, Barau Jibrin was elected unopposed.

Clerk of the National Assembly,  Sani Tambawal, presided over the session which commenced few minutes after 8am. Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, nominated Senator Akpabio for the office of Senate President and was seconded by Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West); senator representing Adamawa North, Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo moved the nomination for Senator Abdul Aziz Yari.

There was, however, drama on the floor of the Red Chamber as the senator representing Borno North,  Tahir Monguno, objected to the nomination. Citing Senate Order 3  Rule 1, Senator Monguno claimed that Yari was not eligible for the exalted seat of president of the Senate. There was a lot of back and forth over the issue as arguments raged over whether Yari was a ranking Senator. He was overruled by the Clerk of the National Assembly. Senator-elect, Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, seconded the nomination of Senator Yari.

Former Ebonyi State governor and senator representing Ebonyi South, Dave Umahi, nominated Senator Jibrin for the seat of deputy president of the Senate and the motion was seconded by Kwara Central, Salihu Mustapha. Senator Jibrin was returned unopposed as there was no counter nomination.

The Deputy Director-General media Yari Senate Presidency campaign organisation,  Senator Addul Ningi, (PDP, Bauchi Central) lauded the election of Akpabio, describing the process as free, fair and credible.

 

How Akpabio emerged

There  was a lot of razzmatazz before the business of day actually commenced. Decked in mufflers embossed with the picture of Akpabio, a large number of Senators-elect accompanied him to the venue. Some governors, among them, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Hope Uzodimma (Imo) were at the venue to rally support for Akpabio. A last-minute deal with the South-East caucus by Akpabio campaign team, the Stability Group was the masterstroke that delivered a bloc vote for his victory. The 15 senators from the zone at the end of a meeting held on Monday night at the instance of Imo State governor and Chairman, Progressives Governors Forum, Hope Uzodinnma, agreed to deliver the bloc vote to Akpabio. The caucus is a forum of federal lawmakers from the South-East across the party divides. Multiple sources claimed that at the meeting held at Imo State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, a commitment was made by Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, to step down from the race to allow Senator Jibrin have a seamless victory as consensus deputy president of the Senate. One of the sources stated: “Senator Akpabio will fulfill his own part of the deal by rewarding them (South-East caucus)  with slots in high profile committees.”

 

North: Shettima as Yari’s Achilles heels

Further investigations indicated that Vice-President, Kashim Shettima’s involvement in the last-minute mobilisation for the APC and presidency favoured the candidates endorsed by the party. So, the Akpabio-Jibrin ticket was able to inflict an electoral setback on the aspiration of Yari to lead the 10th Senate. It was gathered that Shettima took it upon himself to galvanise support for Akpabio when he got wind that Yari’s narrative that the North was about to be shortchanged in power distribution in Tinubu administration was gaining traction among senators in the core North. A source said the vice president met the likes of immediate past president of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; former Gombe State governor, Danjuma Goje; among others, who were smarting for showdown with the Akpabio Stability Group.

The source revealed that the Vice- President also met former governors of Sokoto and Kebbi states who are serving senators, Aliyu Wammako and Adamu Aliero, amongst others.

At a meeting with the Stability Group last weekend, held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the Vice President publicly begged the lawmakers to allow a Southern Christian emerge as Senate President to save the ruling party already being demonised over its single-faith ticket in the last general elections.

 

Akpabio unveils agenda

In his inaugural remarks, the new Senate president who thanked his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him to lead the 10th Senate, assured that he would be the president for all lawmakers.

He said: “I will extend my hands of fellowship to you all. What has happened today is historic. This is the first time we have eight political parties in one hallowed  chamber. I am humbled to be so honoured by my colleagues.”

Senator Akpabio said the Senate under his leadership would work closely with President Bola Tinubu for the ruling  party to deliver on its electoral promises.

“The country is at a crossroads. We will work closely with the president for the benefit of our constituents. Our mission is renewed hope to revitalise our economy, we won’t betray the people of Nigeria. I am humbled because your choice reflects the collective will of the Senate, this assembly of Nigerians whose role and responsibilities for Nigeria is at the apex of the demands of true patriotism, loyalty and devotion to the country.

“I assure you, Distinguished Senators, that I am mindful of the enormous responsibilities that this position calls for. You will have my cooperation in all matters and our joint efforts will be one of team-work. I extend my sincere hands of fellowship to all of us, including those who, at a time, may have had different opinions regarding the leadership of the Senate. These expressions of differing and opposing opinions and views are but the fabric that democracy is made of. Democracy, ultimately, has to do with choice, and there can be no real choice where and when there are no alternatives. It is time now to go forward with the task set before us as a collective body – the promulgation of laws and enactments for the well-being and security of the country and as a check on the executive arm of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in our oversight functions. Together, we shall reach and surpass the expectations of the Nigerian people regarding us, and our roles in building a better, safer, more inclusive, prosperous, efficient and ethical country.

“I am pleased, as I am sure that you too are, that we have in His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is committed to a strong economy, national security, inclusion and the rule of law. The antecedents of Mr President and his actions in office these past two weeks give not just a pointer but bear witness to an executive government that knows the challenges of the country and is in a hurry to resolve same. We should therefore, anticipate an executive that is pro-active, progressive and practical. Our laws must therefore align with the vision of Mr. President to protect and provide for our people at the innermost core of their essence while our actions must also guarantee the best and most efficient use of our national commonwealth.

“We will, as a forward-looking Senate, pass laws that emphasise economic viability, social acceptability and environmental sustainability, to encourage alternate and green technologies without prejudicing our developmental needs.”

The deputy president of the Senate moved the motion for adjournment of plenary to Wednesday.

 

Abbas’ road to victory

According to the result announced by the Clerk for the National Assembly, out of total number of 359 Members present during the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, 353 voted for Abbas, Wase secured three votes while Sani Jaji also polled three votes. During the election, one of the G6 aspirants, Honourable Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau) and other members-elect from Plateau State, who are kinsmen to Wase, voted en-masse for Abbas. In the same vein, aside from Jaji, who voted for himself, all the six members-elect from Zamfara State voted for  Abbas. The preferred candidate of the APC, Honourable Abbas (APC-Kaduna) emerged as the Speaker of the 10th session of the House. In the same vein, Honourable Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia) emerged as Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly unopposed. He was nominated by Honourable Babajimi Benson.

Two leading aspirants and members of the G6 coalition, namely Honourable Muktar Betara Aliyu (APC-Borno) and Honourable Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC-Plateau) voted for Honourable Abbas. It would be recalled that both aspirants after series of meetings with President Tinubu and vice president, Kashim Shettima agreed to drop their speakership ambitions and adopted Abbas.

In another dramatic style, Honourable Akinremi Olaide (APC-Oyo) who is the Director General for Honourable Sani Jaji, voted for Honourable Abbas. Earlier, the deputy Clerk for the National Assembly (DCNA), Mr Kamoru Ogunlana, who read the president’s proclamation had announced that the method of election would be by open ballot as prescribed by the 10th edition of the Standing Order, Order Two Rule 3 (f)(iii). Order Two Rule 3(g).

Abass’ nomination as Speaker was made by the immediate past Majority Leader, Honourable Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by Honourable Nnolim Nnaji (PDP-Enugu) in pursuant to Order 2(2, 3 and 4) of the Standing Order. Ado-Doguwa explained that the nominee has the parliamentary experience, competent and the capacity to relate with other arms of government, to preside over the 10th Assembly. In line with the provisions of the Standing Order, Abbas accepted the nomination. Wase was nominated by Honourable Tijani Kayode Ibrahim (APC-Kwara) and seconded by Honourable Mohammed Abdulmumin (APC-Nasarawa). In his speech, Wase who accepted the nomination, assured Nigerians of his readiness to serve in the capacity.

In the same vein, Honourable Sani Jaji (APC-Zamfara) was nominated by Honourable Yusuf Ibrahim (APC-Katsina) and seconded by Honourable Ahmed Ibrahim (APC-Katsina). According to the Deputy Clerk for the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, who presided over the inauguration and election of the presiding officers, every member voting shall name in the open any member to be voted for. Hence, all the 359 members in accordance to the roll call, announced their preferred candidate.

At the end of the voting, Abbas emerged as the Speaker of the 10th Assembly. Honourable Victor Ogene, who earlier said his heart was with Wase, resolved to vote Abbas. The only female member of the G6 coalition, Honourable Miriam Onuoha (APC-Imo) also voted for Abbas. Contrary to the notice issued earlier, the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, which was slated to commence by 10am, took place at about 8.30am, amid tight security. Senators and members-elect were driven in high-capacity buses into National Assembly complex and  accompanied by a security convoy.

 

Abass reels out agenda as Speaker

Abbas assured Nigerians of his resolve towards enactment of legislations that will promote entrepreneurship, support small and medium-scale enterprises, diversify our economy, provide sustainable employment opportunities for our youth as well as address myriads of challenges bedevilling education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors amongst other.

Contained in his inaugural speech, he applauded his colleagues for the support accorded him “as the Speaker of the Nigerian people.”

While promising that the 10th Assembly under his watch will introduce reforms and innovations for the benefit of Nigerians, he pledged to work closely and inter-dependently with the Executive and Judiciary to give Nigerians the good governance, adding that the collaboration will be anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

Abass said: “It is worthy to note that speakership campaign witnessed in the past few months was democracy at play. But today, all of that has come to pass, and it is time to forge ahead and work together for our people for our common good.

“I do not take this mandate bestowed on me as the Nigerian Speaker for granted. I want to assure you today that I shall be just and fair to every one of you irrespective of our perceived differences. I shall operate a House that you all will be proud of. I shall be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the House Rules. Our doors will be open for members of APC, PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, APGA, SDP, ADC and YPP as we strongly believe nation building is a Joint Task.

“Honourable Colleagues, under my watch, the 10th House shall sustain and even surpass the gains of the 9th House. That is my prayer. We shall carry out the Task before us Jointly. We shall introduce reforms and innovations for the benefit of Nigerians. In a few weeks, we shall be reeling out the legislative agenda that will shape the 10th House of Representatives.

“We shall work closely and inter-dependently with the Executive and Judiciary to give Nigerians the good governance they deserve. We stand at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history, where challenges abound, but so do opportunities. We will champion legislations that will uplift the lives of our fellow citizens, promote social justice, and drive sustainable development.

“We will focus on strengthening our security apparatus, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to combat insurgency, terrorism, and all forms of criminalities. We aim to help create a safe and secure environment that fosters economic growth and social stability.

“Through legislations, the 10th House will promote entrepreneurship and support small and medium-scale enterprises. We shall diversify our economy and provide sustainable employment opportunities for our youth. We are aware of the challenges in our education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors amongst other.”

 

Why Wase, Jaji lost

Fresh facts emerged over the real reasons the two speakership nominees: Wase and Jaji lost the  election for the 10th session of the House.

One of the lawmakers, who spoke on the matter under condition of anonymity, claimed that the duo failed to reach consensus with other lawmakers and were unable to produce a running mate as at the time of the election. He observed that the two aspirants, who were part of the G6 coalition, failed to reach a compromise with other allies, as well as refused to concede to deputise them during the series of meetings held to produce a consensus candidate for the speaker and deputy speaker respectively.

According to him, the immediate past deputy speaker and Jaji, who was the Director General of the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s campaign organisation in the North-West, did not have a deputy as at the time of the election, which eventually produced Honourable Abbas as speaker and Honourable Benjamin Kalu as deputy speaker.

He said: “it was glaring that the two nominees came to the election ground unprepared. Their undoing started from the point where they couldn’t align with their contemporaries in the G6. The fallout of such uncompromising stance that both of them took, led to their inability to get someone as running mate till the time of the election. As you know, politics is a matter of give and take. You cannot go into such election without a running mate. As you also observed, the only female aspirant among them, eventually voted for Honourable Tajudeen Abbas. That shows how uncoordinated they were and the result was evident.

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the election of Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas as the President of the Senate and Speaker, House of Representatives, respectively, assuring that he would work without malice with the new leadership of the National Assembly.

He made the declaration in a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday, calling the emergence of the two presiding officers of the legislature as well as their deputies, Jibril Barau and Benjamin Kalu, respectively, a good development and well-deserved victories. Tinubu stated: “As your president, I am prepared to transparently work with the National Assembly. Nigerians expect distinguished Senators and Honourable members to make laws and carry out oversight duties that will enhance the performance of government to achieve successful outcomes, including improving their quality of life.

“In the course of our work together, disagreements may occur. When we disagree it will not be out of malice, ill-will and quest to diminish the institution of the National Assembly or any individual member.”

The president reminded them that being elected by their peers as presiding officers and assuming the leadership of the National Assembly was a great honour that comes with huge responsibility, hoping that they will justify the confidence reposed in them by their members and Nigerians. He commiserated with Abdulaziz Yari, Idris Wase and Aminu Jaji “who enriched the process with their participation in the leadership election, urging them “to sustain the same level of enthusiasm they brought to the leadership contest in the discharge of their duties to their constituents and Nigeria.”

Tinubu congratulated all members of the National Assembly, across party lines, “who, today, enlisted into the service of the blessed people of our great country.”

He admonished: “We have all been called upon and accepted the responsibility to diligently and faithfully serve our fatherland with the oath we took. It is time to get on and move swiftly with the business of governance in the service of Nigeria.”

Tinubu pointed out: “People across the length and breadth of the country expect so much from us. They want us to lift their economic burden. They want us to eliminate insecurity so our farmers in rural communities can go to their farms and produce the food we eat.

“Our people look up to us to change the fortune of our country for good and remove all barriers that impede progress. All of these we can make happen with dedication and commitment. We can only achieve all the good things we promised during our campaigns when we work together in harmony, but with respect for our respective prerogatives and in the best interest of our country.

“We cannot afford to waste this opportunity because Nigerians want us to make every day of the next four years count. Justifiably, our people want more from their government. They truly deserve progressive good governance that will improve their standards of living. We must give them our best.

“I will remain a partner in progress for peace, stability and prosperity of Nigeria. I count on the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and all members to work and walk with me on this governmental journey.”

 

We will resist any Executive moves not in public interest  —Abbas

After his inauguration, newly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas dismissed insinuation that the 10th National Assembly would be a rubber stamp to Executive whims and caprices, saying that under him, the House would resist any moves that would be in conflict with public interest.

He spoke to correspondents on Tuesday after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja moments after his inauguration as Speaker.

Joined by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Ben Kalu, he had been asked about his view on the fears expressed in some quarters about the 10th assembly becoming a rubber stamp.

He said: “Well, if you talk about rubber stamp, look at the acceptance rate, those who have elected us, those across party lines, almost all the whole entire PDP, SDP, ADC and all other minority parties voted us.

“So, if they felt that we are going to be rubber stamps, do think they will elect us? No. They believe that we will safeguard the sanctity of the National Assembly, the legislature. We will always separate our independence and we will relate and be able to harmonize with the executive where necessary.

“But where if there is a conflict of interest where we feel that the executive is or wants to do something that is not in the interest of the public, they know that we’ll stand up against that.”

The Speaker also maintained that there was never any doubt that he would be elected given the amount of support he enjoyed among his colleagues, saying, “what I can tell you is that right from day one, when we started this campaign, it was always good. But the impact of social media propaganda of some of the contestants distorted the entire picture of what was on the ground.

“But To God be the glory, today, people have seen our level of popularity and acceptance by our members and it has put to shame those who always thought that we were imposed by the party and that we don’t have the numbers.

“Today, people have seen that we established record that has never been established in the past, 353 out of 359 members electing us. It is unprecedented. It has never ever happened in the history of Parliament.”

In his remark, the Deputy Speaker said while campaigning, they had promised Nigerians that they would ensure that they worked jointly with other arms of government for nation building.

Kalu said: “We promised that we are going to be there to make sure we’re at our own bricks to the nation building wall. And this extends to creation of jobs, reduction of poverty, policies that go into enhancing our energy sources, policies that will help us create more local content usage in this country.

“Manufacturing now help us reduce importation and increase exportation that will stimulate our economy. And as you see in the past 15 days, Mr. President has been taking the right decisions you know, on issues.

“We want to sustain that through legislative support, legislative intervention to make sure that together, we build a nation we will be proud of.”

 

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