178 Reps-elect endorse Gbajabiamila for Speaker

178 members-elect of the House of Representatives, yesterday, endorsed the ambition of Femi Gbajabiamila to be Speaker.

Onofiuk Luke (PDP, Akwa Ibom) who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, said Gbajabiamila has the legislative experience to offer the desired leadership for the lower legislative chamber.

The lawmaker claimed the group comprises members of All Progressives Congress, APC; Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other opposition parties.

He contended that the interest of Nigerians would be well catered for under Gbajabiamila’s leadership.

According to him, “we looked through the antecedents. We had to look through the credentials of those who are aspiring to lead the National Assembly and we acknowledge the fact that this country, with the challenges that we have today, needs a bipartisan approach to solve the problems facing the country.

“The person that has shown that capacity, that has what it takes as reflected in his manifesto to carry the entire party along in resolving and solving the issues of Nigeria is Femi Gbajabiamila.

“The man who will not mortgage the independence of the legislature, but at the same time will not engage the executive in unnecessary face-off.

“He is a man who would build relationship between the executive and the legislature, between the legislature and the judiciary, a man who would care about the welfare of Nigerians, a man who would place the interest of Nigeria above personal interest and a man who would place the interest of Nigeria against the interest of the party.

“We have resolved to affirm from our states and constituencies that we have found Gbajabiamila as the man who has the capacity to lead the 9th House to greater heights.”