Two major contenders for the Speakership of the 10th National Assembly on Sunday night stepped down for the favourite candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (), Hon Tajudeen Abass.
Hon Muktar Betara, representing Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency and Hon Yusuf Gadgi, representing Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke Federal Constituency, have jettisoned their ambitions to support the party’s choice after a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu at his private residence in Abuja.
Also on Sunday night, Vice President Kashim Shettima, advised other contenders in the race to follow the examples of their colleagues, in the interest of the nation and the party.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Shettima said President Tinubu was pleased with the gesture of Betara and Gagdi to place the interest of the party above their personal ambition.
He, therefore, called on the other contenders for the seat of the Speaker to take cue from the two men who had shelved their ambitions and work with the party to foster national unity, equity, fairness and Justice.
According to the Vice President: “Right Honourable Betara and Right Honourable Gagdi, have graciously accepted to step down and endorse the candidature of Honourable Tajudeen Abass for the Speakership of the Federal House of Representatives. The President was quite touched by their gesture because what binds us together is superior to whatever divides us, we’re one big APC family and together we shall…
“We cannot thank them enough for their graciousness and we want to commend the roles played by the Chief of Staff to the President, by His Excellency, the executive governor of Niger State, by the leadership of the party, here represented by the Deputy National Chairman.
“I think our party members will breathe a sigh of relief, that with the two big elephants in the room, accepting to work as a collective, we believe that our house is in a very good shape.
“We are good to go and we will call on other candidates; Right Honourable Wase, Honourable Sada and right Honourable Aminu Jaji, to also see reason and collapse their structures with Abass/Ben so that as a family, we can forge a better future for our dear nation”.
The meeting had was attended by the Governor of Niger State Mohammed Bago and Speaker of the 9th National Assembly, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
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