Ahead of the planned inauguration of the 10th National Assembly NASS in June 2023, There are strong signals that the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has settled for Honourable Tajudeen Abbas and Honourable Ben Kalu as speaker and deputy speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, IgbereTV has learned.
According to Premium Times Mr Abbas, a lawmaker from Kaduna State North-west, was picked as the preferred candidate during a meeting held on Friday afternoon at the Defence House, the official residence of the president-elect.
Mr Kalu, a lawmaker from Abia State, South-east, was picked to balance what has now become a joint ticket.
As things stand, there are still several aspirants in the race for the speakership but it’s unclear if they will agree to step down.
One of the aspirants from North-central, told PREMIUM TIMES on the condition of anonymity that he will not step down for anyone.
He said his consultation with leaders of the Labour Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Governor Bala Mohammed and others gives him confidence that he will win the election scheduled for 13 June.
Other aspirants like Deputy Speaker Idris Wase (Plateau), Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Sada Soli (Katsina), Muktar Betara (Borno) Tunji Olawuyi (Kwara), Abubakar Makki (Jigawa), Aminu Jaji (APC, Zamfara), Ado Doguwa (Kano) and Miriam Onuoha ( Imo) are yet to react to the development.
Also, several other lawmakers have indicated interest in the deputy speaker position. They include Chinedu Ogah (Ebonyi), Adewumi Onanuga (Ogun), Tolulope Akande-Sadipe (Oyo) and Francis Waive (Delta).
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