Wike Speaks On Jostle For NASS Leadership, States Position

Governor Nyseom Wike of Rivers State has charged lawmakers-elect eyeing leadership positions in the 10th National Assembly to respect the zoning formula of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News reports that the outgoing governor stated this on Saturday in Kaduna State.

Recall that the APC NWC had picked Godswill Akpabio (Akwa-Ibom/South-South) for the President of the Senate; Jibrin Barau (Kano/North-West) for the Deputy President of the Senate; Tajudeen Abbas (Kaduna/North-West) for the Speaker, House of Representatives; and Benjamin Kalu (Abia/South-East) for the Deputy Speaker.

But some party stakeholders and aspirants in the national assembly leadership race have kicked against the selection of the four candidates, vowing to continue with their ambition.

Wike asked aspirants to consider national interest above their ambitions and submit to the party’s leadership, urging them to withdraw from the race.

“No president can do very well if he does not have that leadership that will corporate with him,” he said.

Referring to the Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara leadership of the 8th NASS, Wike said President Muhammadu Buhari’s performance in the first term was affected by the tussle between the leadership of the national assembly and the administration.

He said: “You remember what happened in 2015 — that affected the performance of the present administration.

“I think for the interest of Nigeria, let them respect the leadership of their party and the president to move the country forward.”

Wike also said he believes President-elect Bola Tinubu will set up the “best team” to get the country running after he takes the oath of office on May 29.