Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and former Governor James Ibori are said to have blocked preparations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rally its members and other minority parties to support an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the House of Representatives Speakership.
Wike and Ibori are said to be supporting the incumbent Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase.
This comes as a former governor of Ogun state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, referred to the deputy speaker as his cherished son.
Wase received the endorsements on Monday during a tour to Lagos and Port Harcourt.
FG Urged Obi Against Inciting Violence
These developments followed coalition talks between members of the PDP’s House of Representatives and an aspirant for the speakership, Aliyu Betara, on the one hand, and the PDP and other minority parties on the other.
According to reports, Betara, suspecting that his party, the APC, could zone the position of speaker outside his region, the north east, began conversations with PDP leaders to increase their numbers to his handful of supporters ahead of the election.
However, several important PDP officials, particularly returning members of the House, had an alternative plan to outwit the APC, which was supposed to go into the election divided.
The number of opposition parties combined exceeds the APC’s 162. The Peoples Democratic Party PDP has 102 seats, the Labour Party LP has 34 seats, the New Nigerian Peoples Party NNPP has 18 seats, the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA has four seats, and the African Democratic Congress ADC has two seats. This brings the opposition parties’ membership to 163, even as all parties compete for extra seats in the April 15 supplemental elections, which will be held in 33 constituencies.
LATEST: Why We Walked Out During Plenary – PDP Lawmakers Reveals
While accepting the deputy speaker, Ibori stated that he has decided to direct his supporters who are House members to endorse and vote for Wase.
Ibori said; “I am with you. I have done my checks on you and I am convinced you are well prepared for the job and I am happy you are here even though I have sent words to you through our Representatives that they should go with you. I wish you all the best.
“Don’t hesitate to come to me anytime you are in need of whatever thing that will enhance this project. I will help you speak to all my friends, as many as I have. Many are waiting to put the right things properly to make Nigeria the envy of Africa and the world. You are good to go, you are in that mood.”
Wike reiterated his commitment to working with the central government while greeting Wase and his delegation to Government House in Port Harcourt.
‘You Are The True Definition Of Democracy’ – Wase Hails Osinbajo
“I have no apologies to make to anyone. I have said it severally that I will support your party at the national level. You are an experienced person, our people will support you. You will stabilize the House and we need you. We will give necessary support and ensure your victory. Count on us”, he stated.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.