Dogara’s Speakership Receives Boost With Reassurance Of Members’ Support

By Benjamin Etuk 23 June 2015
The leadership position of Speaker Yakubu Dogara in the 8^th National Assembly received strong assurance as various members of the House of Representatives continued to show him their support. This is despite subtle campaigns against his emergence from certain quarters.

A survey carried out by Parliamentary Info amongst members of the house from various parties and geopolitical zones showed strong support for the emergence of Speaker Dogara. A new member of the House Hon. Lazarus Ogbe PDP Ebonyi State who represents Eza South Federal Constituency says the emergence of Dogara as the Speaker of the House was an act of God which was made manifest by members’ desire to bring about positive change in the House. Hon Lazarus said the fact that the election of Dogara was not influenced by any external force will spur him to do his best for the country. Another member of the House who also is a newly elected member Hon. Rimam Shawulu Kwewum Taraba said the victory of Dogara represents a victory for Democracy, popularity and independence of the legislature. Hon. Kwewum who represents the people of Tarkum/Donga/Ussa/Yangtu   Federal Constituency in the House of said the constitution of the Federal Republic provides that the members of the House of representatives freely elect their leaders on the floor of the House and not outside the hallowed chambers. He said it is based on such ‘grund norm’ that the members used in exercising their rights to elect their leaders. He wished the Speaker and his deputy the best in their quest to make the House better.

Other members who spoke to Parliamentary Info said it is imperative that the leadership of the House carry members along in order to douse the controversy that greeted their emergence. Hon. Abubakar Hussein Moriki APC Zamfara  said the Speaker will show his maturity and magnanimity by carrying every segment of the house along despite party differences. Hon. Moriki who represents Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency said it is glaring that members of the House have come to terms with the emergence of Dogara as Speaker and Lasun as Deputy Speaker. He said the leadership will do well to maintain stability by carrying all interests along.

Other members who spoke with our Parliamentary Info said Nigerians should be geared up for another level of leadership in the House of Representatives. According to Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji APC a former Local Government Chairman in Zamfara state said “Hon. Dogara considering his legal background and his experience in the House will bring another level of leadership suavity in the House and governance in the country. “With the little I have known of him, nothing can be lower than giving Nigerians the best leadership as well as ensuring that members welfare is seriously looked into” the member representing Kaura/Namoda/Birnin Magaji federal constituency said considering the fact that the leadership of the House emerged via a competitive and independent contest, Nigerians should be braced up for qualitative leadership in the House.

A returning officer in the House Hon. Okwu said despite the fact that Dogara is from the northern minority and his Christian background, he got votes from the north and beyond. The member, who hailed the leadership qualities of the former Speaker of the House Hon. Aminu Tambuwaal, said most returning members opted to vote for Dogara because they believe he will carry on from where the former Speaker stopped. He said the fact that there was no banana peel during the last leadership, makes it imperative for the members of the 8^th House of Representatives to give him the best of support.

The Chairman of the ad Hoc Committee on members’ welfare Hon Nasiru Baballe Said the fact that the members appreciated the job that the former speaker  Aminu Tambuwaal did makes it imperative to get the support of older members. He said there was no controversy in the House. He says the emergence of Speaker Dogara has vindicated their support for him. 

To be continued…