5th July, 2023
By Thompson Yamput
Contrary to the assertion by the leadership of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has lauded the emergence of principal officers of the Federal House of Representatives.
The Governor gave his endorsement to the new principal officers when he received them in his Abuja residence on Tuesday evening.
APC Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, has told journalists that the party was not aware of the announcements of new principal officers in the National Assembly.
He said APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) was not informed of the positions. The APC Chairman therefore dissociated the party’s leadership from the majority leadership positions announced by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Adamu spoke before the party’s NWC went into a closed door meeting with governors elected on its platform on the aegies of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) saying it was a rumour on social media.
“I am just hearing as a rumour now from the online media that there have been some announcements in the Senate and House of Representatives.
“The national headquarters of the party of the NWC has not given any such information or communicated about the choice of offices.
“Until we formally resolve and communicate with them in writing which is the norm and practice, it is not our intention to break away from traditions.
“So, whatever announcement is done either the President of the Senate, Deputy Senate President, Speaker or Deputy Speaker, is not from this secretariat.
But speaking when he received the principal officers led by the Majority Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Governor Bello was quoted in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onogwu Mohammed, in Lokoja, as describing their emergence as “clear results of experience” seen from them by their fellow lawmakers.
Others on the visit include the Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Kumo; and the Deputy Majority Leader, Abdullahi Halims.
Bello, who extended his congratulations to the principal officers, said: “Your emergence as leaders of the House was chiefly due to your extensive legislative experiences and unwavering commitment to our party’s (APC’s) affairs.
“I hereby urge you, as leaders, to cultivate a harmonious relationship with other branches of government for the betterment of the common people.
“This is because President Bola Tinubu is determined and committed to effect positive change in Nigeria, thereby underscoring the crucial need for collaboration among the legislative, judicial arms of government, and all citizens for the country’s rapid development,” the governor said.
Earlier, the Deputy Majority Leader and representative of Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency of Kogi, said that they were in Bello’s residence to thank him for his support.
“We are in your residence today to extend our gratitude to you for your support and unwavering commitment to the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria.
“As House Leaders, we will be needing your wise counseling as governor from time to time,” Halims pleaded.
He however pledged to cooperate with the executive and judiciary to advance the interests of the people for the growth and development of the country. (NAN)