Ninth Assembly: Reps spokesman, Namdas declares for Speakership

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Abdulrazak Namdas on Tuesday formally declared his intention to contest for the position of Speaker of the 9th Assembly.

Namdas who was re elected for a second term to represent Jedda/Genye Federal Constituency of Adamawa State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, promised to operate an open door policy and as well ensure harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government.

Addressing news men in Abuja yesterday while making his official declaration, the law maker said he was offering himself for the position of Speaker because the 9th Assembly deserved only the best leadership.

He also declared that he was an independent candidate who was neither anointed or being sponsored by any political group or any godfather but a candidate of all Nigerians.

According to him, “I am convinced and I believe you are aware that I possess the necessary legislative and personal credentials to effectively lead the House to enviable heights. As spokesperson for the House, I represented and defended the legislature effectively for four years; hence I am better positioned to preside and speak for the House as Speaker.”

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“I am not contesting because I have been anointed or endorsed by any entrenched interest; but because I am the candidate of the Nigerian people. This ambition is not self-service; it is in national interest. It is for the Nigerian project.”

The law maker assured that if elected, a New Legislative Charter “which is the contract with the Nigerian people will be driven by good laws and ethical legislative practices adding that his leadership would be desirous to enter into a contract with the Nigerian people for the good of the nation.”

While admitting that the 2019 polls generated bad blood and emotions among the citizenry, the one time Deputy Governorship candidate in Adamawa State assured that his leadership would work urgently and genuinely to mend fences and build bridges across the nation.

The second timer in the House who was flanked by several of his colleagues further assured that his leadership would seek for laws that guarantee security of lives and property, promote unity, encourage ethnic and religious tolerance, instill discipline and restore patriotism in the country adding that rule of laws, engender equity, fairness and justice in the Nigeria state will be strictly adhere to.

In his pledge to consolidate on the gains of the Legislative Agenda of the 8th House, he said his administration would pursue a mutual relationship between the three arms of government in order to strengthen the country’s democracy.

He further vowed that they would not compromise the independence of the legislature on the altar of personal interest.

Earlier, one of his colleagues who accompanied him to declare his intention for speaker, Hon Abdulraman Shuaibu (APC, Adamawa) urged the party not to rush in zoning the position and members should be allowed to elect their leader rather than the party interfering.

According to him, this is because the members know who is capable to lead them rather that the one who would be imposed on them and later messed up the system.