A think-tank of intellectuals from the 19 Northern states has urged a group of six aspirants for Speaker in the 10th National Assembly to adopt Idris Wase as their consensus candidate for the position.
The Northern Patriotic and Democratic Coalition said the aspirants must unite behind the Deputy Speaker to stop the imposition of Tajudeen Abbas on Nigerians.
Recall that the All Progressives Congress had purportedly endorsed Abbas and Ben Kalu for Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.
The choice of Abbas has been welcomed with widespread outrage, with many critics claiming he is being foisted on the party and House of Representatives.
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Consequently, in protest, six other aspirants formed an alliance known as the Coalition of Progressive Speakership Aspirants (COPSA).
They comprise Wase, Muktar Betara, Sada Soli, Aminu Sani Jaji, Yusuf Gagdi, and Miriam Unuoha.
In a statement through its Publicity Director, Dr. Regina Audu, on the state of the nation and the way forward for the National Assembly leadership tussle, the group urged the aspirants to shelve their ambitions in support of Wase.
Audu said to stop Abbas, a robust coalition comprising of men and women of goodwill, strong in character and purpose must speak with one voice.
While admitting that each member of the coalition is qualified and deserving of the position, she said Wase has an edge as the current deputy Speaker.
Audu noted that Wase is the perfect blend of experience, competence, and capacity.
She added that with the Plateau lawmaker as Speaker, the North Central’s agitation and perceived neglect would have been effectively addressed.
“Wase epitomizes character, competence, and capacity. A five-timer, he is the most experienced of all the aspirants and would represent the interest of the majority of the members…,” Audu said.
“Wase hasn’t been a mere spectator all these years. In his four terms, he held the chairmanship of key committees and sponsored at least a dozen bills.
“Our nation is at a critical period and only men and women of goodwill can save it from collapse.”
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