…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
The lawmaker representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Tajudeen Abbas, has been elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
However, his nomination by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the subsequent rejection by some lawmakers have sparked controversy within the party.
Nomination and Controversy Surrounding Tajudeen Abbas:
The All Progressives Congress (APC) nominated Tajudeen Abbas as its preferred candidate for the position of Speaker, alongside Benjamin Kalu as the Deputy Speaker.
Nevertheless, this choice was met with opposition from some lawmakers who disagreed with the party’s zoning arrangement.
Opposition and Persistence of Other Speakership Aspirants:
Despite pleas from President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, two contenders refused to withdraw their aspirations and contested the speakership position.
They were undeterred by the party’s endorsement of Abbas and remained determined to challenge the zoning arrangement.
Election Results and Victory of Tajudeen Abbas:
During the election, Tajudeen Abbas secured an overwhelming victory by obtaining 353 votes.
His closest rivals, the immediate past Deputy Speaker Ahmed Wase and Aminu Jaji, each received three votes.
This outcome solidified Abbas’s position as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Support from the G-7 Group:
Following a meeting with President Tinubu, the G-7, a group of aggrieved speakership aspirants, decided to support Tajudeen Abbas.
The members of this group who voted for Abbas include Olaide Akinremi, Aliyu Betara, Yusuf Gagdi, Sada Soli, Chinedu Ogah, and Miriam Onuoha.
Conclusion:
Despite initial controversy and opposition, Tajudeen Abbas has emerged as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The election results reflected a strong mandate in his favor, with significant support from key members within the party.
As the new Speaker, Abbas will have the responsibility of leading the House and representing the interests of Zaria Federal Constituency and Kaduna State as a whole.
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