240 reps, PDP South-East caucus endorse Gbajabiamila

Ebun Francis|

Not less than 230 members-elect of the House of Representatives on Sunday night signed endorsement register for Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the Speaker of the 9th house of representative.

In addition, six other contenders for the seat publicly endorsed the candidacy of Femi Gbajabiamila and Idris Wase as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

At the public endorsement of the duo which took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, the DG of the Gbajabiamila/Wase campaign organisation, Abdulmumin Jibril, said the reason for the event was to show the world the strength of the Gbajabiamila/Wase team.

According to him, 60 members of the opposition parties and the PDP South East caucus have also endorsed the campaign.

He said: The pretenders not contenders will know that the are seated in this hall

“This is to show how transparent and our strength is which will be done by signing of endorsement”.

“We know we have the numbers but we don’t want to take anything for granted. In the next 24 hours we have to tighten the knots”.

“Unlike 2015 we have made a lot of inroad into PDP. We knew we have to consult them and they are not even interested in Committee Chairmanship but to be partners in progress with APC.

As for the other contender unwilling to step down, he said, “There are no problems, we’ll meet on the floor on that day.

“Those supporting the others are hiding, but as we can see, we go everywhere with our supporters. We want to see the strength of the other contenders”.

Reacting to the outpouring of support from his colleagues, a visibly touched Gbajabiamila assured that he and his deputy, Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase will not fail the Nation.

He said, “This is more or less a night of gratitude, we’ve gone round the country.

“We can only thank and not just for the moment but for the next four years.

“This is because if you did not buy into our vision, it will not see the light of the day

“But with this we are convinced the 9th Assembly will be like no other, a legislature where our members will stand shoulder to shoulder with any in the world.

“Where opposition will also be proud. I’m in a vantage position having been opposition and Majority Leader. That balance gives an edge.”