Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on members-elect of the House of Representatives to adopt the zoning position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of their inauguration next month.
Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call while receiving the anointed candidates of the party for the speaker and deputy speaker of the green chamber in Lagos on Saturday.
Recently, the APC micro-zoned and announced Tajudeen Abbas (North-West) and Benjamin Kalu (South-East) as their preferred candidates for the positions, a decision that has flared tempers with other aspirants kicking against the position and vowing to pursue their interests.
Addressing his visitors who came for his support, the governor said the leadership of the National Assembly must reflect the true federal composition and political diversity of Nigeria, adding that the duo have the needed traits to lead the lower chamber.
“Here today, I have seen diverse political parties and representatives from all regions coming together to work as a team in electing the speaker,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said. “I urge you not to stop at this; you should further deepen your engagement and extend the hand of comradeship to every member.
“I have observed that despite having the support of the party, you are not resting on your oars and taking anything to chance. I urge you to ensure that your engagement is total, transparent and inclusive.
“Other aspirants are eminently qualified to do the same engagement. They are known to us and they will be brought to the room for conversation. Our wish is to ensure that the position of the party is respected and adopted in the green chamber when the House convenes.
“I have read about the speaker and deputy speaker aspirants. Your pedigree and resume speak to excellence. I believe you have what it takes to lead the House of 360 members from diverse backgrounds to have purposeful executive-legislative engagement and bring about meaningful dividends of democracy to our countrymen.
“At the end of the day, your aspiration is not about you or your colleagues in the chamber but about Nigerians. The objective must be about joining forces with the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make life better for the people, improve the economy and strengthen security. Greatest good must be achieved for the greatest number.”
