26th July, 2015
The disagreement in the House of Representatives over sharing of position of principal officers, has been resolved, Rep. Pally Iriase (Edo-APC) has said.
Briefing newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, Iriase said the resolution was as a result of the letter written by the Speaker to the Chairman of APC on July 16.
He said that with section 13 of the constitution, the Speaker was mandated to ensure that section 14, (3) which deals with federal character was followed.
“Section 14,( 3) tells us how these bodies of government must be composed and in order to ensure inclusive, unity and fairness in the country.”
Iriase said the Speaker had proposed Reps. Alhassan Doguwa (APC-Kano) North-West; as House Leader and Buba Jibrin (APC-Kogi) North-Central; as Deputy Leader.
Others are Pally Iriase (APC-Edo) South-South as Chief Whip and Chika Okafor (APC-Imo) South-East as Deputy Chief Whip.
The lawmaker explained that majority of the equity team of the APC caucus in House accepted the positions.
Also speaking on the matter, Rep. Abdulmunim Jibrin, said the Speaker and majority of members of the APC caucus in the House as well as Gbajabiamila’s group supported the position.
“We have commenced collection of signatures which has reached advanced stage to affirm Dogara’s formula.
“All other interests, including those excluded from the principal officers, specifically Rep. Gbajabiamila and Rep. Monguno will be duly accommodated with commensurate responsibility to serve.
“Since the Speaker has about 200 positions to share out, many members will have the opportunity to serve the country,” he said.
Jibrin said the disagreement in the House, which several people erroneously labeled as crisis, had finally come to an end.
“We hereby express our deep appreciation to Mr. President for his fatherly disposition during this disagreement.
“We also commend our party for its patience and understanding and re-affirm our continued support for the realisation of its objectives.
“We thank Dogara for his maturity and gentle disposition towards ensuring that the disagreement is amicably resolved.
“We thank our other colleagues who disagreed with us for their willingness to dialogue and accept our position for the peace and stability of the House and national interest,” Jibrin said.