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House of Reps Leadership: 60 Reps back Gbajabiamila/Wase ticket

Published

7 years ago

June 6, 2019

The Gbajabiamila/Wase Speakership/Deputy Speakership ticket got a boost Thursday as a group of returning and newly elected House of Representatives members called the ‘9th Assembly Progressives’ adopted Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker and Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase as Deputy Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives respectively.

According to the group led by , Hon. Oluwole Oke (Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State), who is a ranking member of the House, comprises of non – APC Members and Members – Elect and have large spread among the minority parties, various geopolitical zones and different gender lines.

A statement issued by the group Thursday states that the endorsement of Gbajabiamila and Wase was stimulated by a number of reasons:

“First, in mature democracies with entrenched legislative traditions, the moment there is a leadership vacuum, the leader of a Majority Party in the legislature automatically assumes Headship of that House. Examples abound, including, the recent Speakership of Nancy Pelosi.

For this reason and in order for us to deepen the progressive values in the National Assembly we, the 9th Assembly Progressives, have adopted the joint ticket of Hon. Femi/Hon. Wase in the Speakership race.

“Second, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who doubles as the Leader of Hon. Femi’s Party, has nominated him for the Speakership position. Deeming him as a man that will foster peace, unity and prosperity throughout the 9th Assembly.

“Endorsing and voting for him is therefore an endorsement and vote for a smooth and productive working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature in the new Government.

“Third, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is the most experienced and prepared candidate in the current Speakership race. Hon. Femi has been a Member of the House since 2003 and has played a pivotal role in creating the right legislative culture, values and practice which now characterize the Legislative Arm of Government. His commitment to the defence of democratic values is glaring and he has been consistent in his views, values and votes, which is the hallmark of a true Parliamentarian.

“Fourth, since becoming a Member in 2003, Hon. Femi has sponsored some of the most critical bills that have been debated on the floor of the House of Representatives. Some of his Bills were pivotal and contributed to the amendment of the 1999 Constitution”.

The statement further reads that Gbajabiamila’s innate brilliance “shows in the quality of Bills and Motions he has sponsored in the House and his contribution to debates is passionate, deep, insightful and always logical. He has vast understanding of the Rules of the House and is a Master in Legislative Proceedings.

“Hon. Femi commands the respect of the Members of the House. In 2015, he was overwhelmingly elected as the Leader of the House and he gave support to the current House leadership for the entire term of the 8th Assembly. He has also contributed immensely to making legislative work easy. A notable contribution he made is the printing and distribution of the Rules of the House free of charge to all Members of the 8th Assembly.

“We the 9th Assembly Progressives believe that now is the God ordained time for Hon. Femi and we must join our hands with the voice of the People, which is the voice of God.

“We the undersigned Members-Elect and Returning Members of the 9th Assembly Progressives hereby adopt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker and Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase as Deputy Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives,” the group added in the statement.

The Progressives, who said they currently have sixty lawmakers as members, also urged other colleagues in the 9th House to ensure the election of their preferred candidates for speaker and deputy come June 11.

The Nation.

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Featured

Delta North 2027: Between Legacy and Renewal- Why Victor Ochei Represents The Future

Published

4 days ago

April 13, 2026

The Gleamer

By Austin Edemodu, PhD

The emerging political discourse surrounding the 2027 Delta North Senatorial contest raises a fundamental question about leadership, succession, and the moral obligations of those who have long occupied the public space.

Recent reports suggesting that Ifeanyi Okowa has “accepted” calls by stakeholders to re-enter the senatorial race have, understandably, stirred both interest and concern across the district.To be clear, every Nigerian, including Dr. Okowa, is constitutionally entitled to seek elective office.

However, beyond legality lies a more compelling question; one of equity, fairness, and the sustainability of democratic culture.

Should the political space continually revolve around a single individual who has, by all standards, had an extensive and privileged run in public service?

Dr. Okowa’s political résumé is both rich and undeniable. From his early days as Secretary to Ika North East Local Government, to his roles as Commissioner in multiple strategic ministries, Secretary to the State Government, Senator, and ultimately Governor of Delta State for two consecutive terms, he has occupied some of the most influential offices available within the state and beyond.

His trajectory reflects not just ambition, but opportunity; opportunity that many equally capable individuals have not been afforded.

It is precisely within this context that his reported return to the senatorial contest raises legitimate concerns. At what point does experience give way to overreach?

When does political continuity begin to resemble stagnation? And perhaps more importantly, what message does this send to a new generation of leaders waiting in the wings?

Democracy thrives not merely on participation, but on renewal. It depends on the deliberate cultivation of successors, the encouragement of fresh ideas, and the willingness of established figures to step aside in the interest of broader inclusion.

A system that recycles leadership without fostering transition risks alienating its most vibrant and innovative minds.

This is where the candidacy of Rt Hon. Victor Ochei becomes not only relevant but compelling.
A former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Ochei embodies a blend of legislative experience, administrative competence, and grassroots connection. His career has been defined not by political dominance, but by service across multiple sectors. As an engineer, lawyer, and public servant, his intellectual depth is matched by practical engagement.

His tenure in the state legislature was marked by strategic empowerment initiatives and a demonstrable commitment to constituency development.

Beyond the legislature, his role at NIMASA and his current position as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation further underscore a capacity for leadership that transcends politics. These experiences have equipped him with a national outlook and administrative discipline, qualities essential for effective representation at the Senate.

Yet, perhaps Ochei’s most distinguishing attribute is his accessibility. In an era where political office is often perceived as distant and elitist, he has maintained an open-door philosophy that resonates with ordinary citizens.

His appeal among youths, women, and grassroots communities is not incidental; it is the product of consistent engagement and inclusive leadership.

The argument, therefore, is not merely about replacing one individual with another. It is about redefining the political trajectory of Delta North. It is about choosing between continuity that risks entrenchment and renewal that promises expansion.

This is not to diminish the contributions of Dr. Okowa, but to recognize that leadership must, at some point, evolve beyond individual dominance.

The future of Delta North cannot be built on the foundations of perpetual recycling. It must be anchored on deliberate transition, generational inclusion, and visionary representation.

As 2027 approaches, the people of Delta North are presented with a choice that goes beyond personalities. It is a choice between the comfort of the familiar and the promise of the possible.

In Victor Ochei lies a candidacy that reflects not just competence, but the urgency of a new direction.

History will not merely remember who held power, but who had the courage to pass the torch.q

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