…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, disclosed the candidates he and other members of the G5 group supported to become the presiding officers of the 10th National Assembly.
During a press conference in Port Harcourt, Wike revealed their endorsement of Godswill Akpabio for the Senate President position and Tajudeen Abbas for the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Support Based on Qualifications and Past Assistance
Explaining the rationale behind supporting Akpabio for the third-highest position in the country, Wike cited Akpabio’s qualifications, competence, and previous support extended to him during his gubernatorial campaign.
Wike emphasized that their backing for the candidates was unwavering, asserting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had no grounds to question their decision.
Confidence in the 10th National Assembly
Wike expressed confidence that the 10th National Assembly would not be a rubber-stamp legislative arm, despite their cordial relationship with the executive.
He stated that the emergence of Akpabio as the Senate President from the South-South region demonstrated Nigerians’ interest in national unity.
Wike also commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to preventing the polarization of the country.
Akpabio’s Competence and Qualifications
Wike praised Akpabio’s competence, qualifications, and eloquence, asserting that he is capable of representing the country effectively in any forum.
He defended their support for Akpabio, emphasizing the former Senate Minority Leader’s role in supporting Wike during his gubernatorial campaign.
G5 Governors and Disagreements with PDP
The G5 group comprises five former and incumbent governors, including Wike, who rejected the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, due to disagreements with the party’s zoning arrangement for the 2023 election.
The other members of the group are Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, as well as former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).
In summary, former Governor Nyesom Wike revealed the candidates supported by the G5 group for the top positions in the 10th National Assembly.
Their backing for Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas was based on qualifications, previous support, and confidence in a non-rubber-stamp legislative arm.
Wike emphasized Akpabio’s competence and praised his role in promoting national unity.
The G5 group’s decision stemmed from disagreements with the PDP’s zoning arrangement for the 2023 election.