Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared support for Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the incoming 10th House of Representatives.
Wike, who declared the support for the APC’s preferred candidates in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital on Friday, said he would work assiduously to make sure that the duo emerge victorious.
Speaking when the Abbas/Kalu Campaign Team visited him under the leadership of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, Wike said all the 13 members-elect from Rivers State with the exception of one, are with Abbas and Kalu 100 percent.
Wike also said that the 2015 scenario where members that went against their party emerged as leaders of the National Assembly would not repeat itself.
“I want to say here that I am with you fully. You know I do my things in the open. When Chinda told me that you’re coming here, I said there was no need because I am with you fully. All our members are with you, except one, who is doing something else.
“2015 won’t repeat itself. Let me tell you, I’ll leave office on Monday, and once I leave, we’ll start the campaign fully.
“I urge all of you to support Abbas. Don’t support him in the day and do something else in the night. You should support him fully.”
Wike added that the fact that a president or governor indicates interest on whom to work with as the head of the Legislature does not in any way mean total control over the Parliament.
He said even in advanced democracies, presidents indicate interest in whom to work with in the Legislature for smooth running of government.
Speaking during the visit, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas thanked Wike for doing the right thing during the last election. He noted that the members-elect from Rivers State were on board with him.
He said it he emerged as Speaker, he would ensure the unity among lawmakers and and stability of the House, saying the next administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs a stable Parliament to perform.
He solicited for Wike’s support to be able to clinch the speakership position come June 13.
Also, the chairman of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, noted that Abbas is the most decorated lawmaker in Nigeria’s history as far as bills sponsorship is concerned.
He noted that out of the 74 Bills Rt. Hon. Abbas sponsored in the last four years, 2q were signed into law. He said the Zaria representative had the right character, composure, integrity and tenacity to become the next Speaker.
