10th NASS: Akpabio, Abass nominated by APC as Senate President, Reps Speaker

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced its nominations for principal officers that will stand elections at its proclamation on June 5.

In the behind-the-scenes arrangement, Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom South) was tipped for Senate President and Senator Barau Jibrin (Kano North) as the Deputy Senate President.

Mr Tajudeen Abass (Zaria Federal Constituency, Kaduna State) was nominated as Speaker, House of Representatives while Mr Benjamen Kalu (Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State) was picked as the Deputy Speaker.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of APC ratified the arrangement at its meeting in Abuja, its spokesman, Mr Felix Morka said.

Morka told newsmen after the four-hour NWC meeting: “The NWC met today (yesterday) to consider reports of consultations and meetings held with the President-elect, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other party leaders and stakeholders on zoning arrangement for 10th National Assembly leadership positions.

“The NWC noted with respect the outcome of the meetings held between the President-elect and the leadership of the NWC.

“The NWC called for further and better consultation with necessary stakeholders in order to assure the support of the aspirants to the National Assembly leadership positions and members of the party nationwide.

“We urge our party leaders, members and all Nigerians to continue to work for peace and progress of our country during and beyond the current period of leadership transition.”

Meanwhile, a group of 72 senators who has served as members of the National Assembly in the second to fourth sessions have thrown their weight behind Akpabio.

Convener of the group, Sen. Basheer Lado, said the support was based on the need for fairness, equity and justice.

Lado, who once represented Kano Senatorial District, told reporters that in the spirit of fairness and equity, the number three position should be zoned to the Southsouth.

“We, in the spirit of equity, fairness, political expediency and following extensive consultations with stakeholders, hereby express our total support for the zoning of the position of the president of the 10th senate, to the Southsouth geo-political zone of Nigeria.

“We also affirm our unfettered support for the position of the president of the 10th Senate who also doubles as the chairman of the National Assembly to be conferred on Senator Akpabio,” he said.