Reps spokesman makes case for self, North-East in race for Speaker

By Kemi Yesufu

Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abdulrasak Namdas has said only a loyal member of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) stands a chance of becoming Speaker.

“This is the era of party discipline. Therefore, only a loyal party member can be the Speaker of the 9th House”, he is quoted as saying by Nation. 

Namdas, the member representing Jada/Genye/Mayo Federal Constituency of Adamawa State,  who also disclosed his  decision to contest for the office of Speaker, however said as a loyal APC member, he will abide with the decision of the party on the issue.

He said: “Already you are talking to a candidate. I am also aspiring from North-East zone. Every zone is lobbying to have the speakership. We are making our cases. For example, we feel that the North-east is the most impoverished.

“We have only had the speakership for four years and we want to have it four eight years so that we can consolidate. But more importantly, the Speaker must be somebody that will listen to the party and I am one of those. We need a speaker who is a party person, who has the experience and the ability to carry everybody along.

“We are in an era of party discipline and we cannot afford to have a Speaker that the party will not be sure of his position and whatever happens, we must pick somebody who has the party at heart and his loyal to the party.”

Speaking on speculations that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be fielding Speaker Yakubu Dogara, he said it wasn’t a viable idea.

“I don’t think so. When the inconclusive elections are concluded, I assure you the APC will have up to 230 or 240 of the 360. I think we are 220 now and there are inconclusive elections everywhere.

“So, I don’t think another party will compete the speakership. The only thing is that whoever they support, it can increase the number of votes, but not enough to upstage the APC. Though their number is important, you cannot say they have the numbers in terms of forming leadership. APC has clear majority”, he stated.