Speakership: G7 will defeat Abass – Spokesman

Some eminent members-elect known as the G7 have laughed off suggestions that the group has lost momentum in the race for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Speaking to selected journalists on Friday in Abuja at the close of the induction ceremony, the group’s spokesperson, Hon Philip Agbese, said the G7 is waxing stronger and focused on producing the Speaker that Nigeria deserves.

Agbese said claims by a purported group that the G7 is fizzling out into oblivion have further confirmed that the camp of Abbas Tajudeen is jittery of their strength.

According to Hon Agbese, Abbas doesn’t have what it takes to be Speaker at the moment, adding that he lacks the capacity, popularity, and will to unite the House.

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The Benue lawmaker said that the G7 is in the advanced stage of its consultations toward producing the next Speaker.

He said: “We read with a big grin reports that the G7 is fizzling out as not only was this seen as a classic joke, it showed that the entertainers are not aware of the reality on the ground.

“While they continue in a fairytale, we have taken concrete steps to produce the next Speaker, one who will serve the interests of his/ her colleagues and nation.

“In their latest outing, they admitted that the members of the G7 are qualified to be Speaker yet Abbas is being packaged as the best.

“As we all know, the election of principal officers is the exclusive right of the parliamentarians. If indeed Abbas is well-loved and accepted, he should test his popularity against the G7 and stop the propaganda.

“Hon Muktar Betara remains a unifying force in the House which no one in the country has doubted. Yusuf Gagdi is one of the most articulate and outspoken youths of this generation. Hon Sani Jaji is a known security expert within the intelligence community. Hon Sada Soli is cut out for the job as well as Miriam Onuoha who has demonstrated in the last few years to be an extraordinary Nigerian.

“These are all eminent Nigerians who have come under one umbrella for the common good of Nigerians. They have decided that the nation can’t be deprived of quality leadership over the selfish interests of a few.

“We love, respect, and believe in the President-elect. Unlike what is being portrayed, the All Progressives Congress is not in any crisis.

“However, we believe our incoming president and party leaders will take the best possible decision for the nation after listening to all parties involved.”