SAN FRANCISCO, November 09, (THEWILL) – Notable members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who were appointed as chairmen and deputy chairmen of the 97 special and standing committees have urged the embattled Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, to resign first before they could follow suit.
The lawmakers stated this in response to the previous call by Gbajabiamila to members of the APC Loyalist Group to resign as chairmen and deputy chairmen of the special and standing committtes, to protest the alleged high-handedness of Speaker Yakubu Dogara in the constitution of the committees.
The Majority Leader via a protest letter sent to the APC chairman, John Oyegun, accused the Speaker of breaching the House Standing Orders in the selection process.
Meanwhile, the inauguration of the 97 special and standing committees was conducted on Monday in the absence of Gbajabiamila who was assigned to present the welcome address at the inauguration slated for 10am.
The event was however rescheduled for 12noon to enable the Speaker attend the swearing in of the new Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commissioned (INEC) which took place at the Presidential Villa.
Following his absence, Speaker Dogara asked Ado Doguwa, to read Order 19, Rule 8(1 & 2) of the Standing Orders to enable the House admit invited guests to the Chamber for the purpose of the inauguration of the special and standing committees of the House.
While giving the vote of thanks, Doguwa pledged the solidarity of the nine principal officers to Dogara’s leadership, saying: “we stand by what you have done, we stand by the position of the leadership. Nine of us are religiously behind you Mr. Speaker.”
While responding to inquiry on the whereabouts of the Majority Leader, Jonathan Gaza, deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, said: “I do not know why he was absent, but I believe it was for a good cause.”
Gaza, who described Gbajabiamila’s absence and boycott of the inauguration as unfortunate, stressed that Nigeria should be bigger than any individual.
“Time has been wasted on several things…when you walk into that chamber, it’s not about party anymore. We swore allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not to our respective parties, it is therefore about the progress of Nigeria. The wheel of governance is spinning and Nigeria would begin its upward move,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Abdulmumin Jibrin, chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, offered special prayers for the Speaker to have more patience.
“We will pray that God Almighty increase your patience and humility even when it is tested. May God Almighty increase your courage to always stand to the truth and for what is right. May God Almighty guide you, protect you, increase your wisdom as you continue to preside over the affairs of this House. You are Speaker ordained by God and He alone will continue to protect you and us until the end of these four years and beyond,” he said.
