Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, has said that it is his turn to lead the lower arm of the 10th National Assembly (NASS).
According to him, while he has made huge sacrifices for the house in the past, he also possesses all the qualities to be the nation’s number four citizen.
“I was deputy to Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila as Minority Leader and in 2015 I had more than 75 percent endowment to be leader. But I was asked to step down and I obliged.
“In 2019, I felt I should go for speaker but again the party leaders said I should step down for Femi Gbajabiamila and I obliged even though I had the endorsement to go through and we then ran a joint campaign.
“These are part of the sacrifices I have made and in the words of my leader, President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, I say, ’emilokan’- it is my turn,” he said.
Mr. Wase (APC-Plateau) stated this when declared his intention to run for the office of the speaker in Abuja on Friday.
Mr. Wase said when he is elected speaker, he will focus on general orientation and image rebranding of the National Assembly.
The aspirant said he would ensure a true people’s parliament by creating an efficient and innovative parliament that would approach nation building as a joint task irrespective of any difference.
The lawmaker promised a strong and independent parliament, with law and order as well as strong legislative oversight.
According to Mr Wase, security, fiscal discipline, economic prosperity and social welfare schemes and programmes will be prioritised if elected.
