House of Reps: Obiano, Okorocha, Wike boost Gbajabiamila’s, Wase’s chances

Governors of Anambra, Imo and Rivers states, Willy Obiano, Rochas Okorocha and Nyesom Wike have assured Femi Gbajabiamila and Idris Wase of their support to clinch the speaker and deputy speaker of the incoming ninth House of Representatives.

Obiano urged Gbajabiamila and Wase to always prioritise issues concerning Anambra State when they become the presiding officers, Okorocha promised to support them to realise their ambitions.

Wike said his support for Gbajabiamila and Wase was about the competency of the two men and not on political party affiliation.

Obiano, who spoke on Tuesday while hosting the 103 members-elect delegation at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, pledged the support of the 10 members-elect of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from his state to back Gbajabiamila and Wase.

The governor said the state had long concluded arrangement to support the two lawmakers.

He added that the decision was not difficult to make because he knew Gbajabiamila as a man of integrity.

“I know Gbajabiamila. He is not someone who would say it is black now and it would suddenly turn to white. That is why I’ve been campaigning for him for long.

“I’ve even taken the campaign to the Presidency. I still have my respect across all parties.

“I may work underground but it is a risk that I have to speak this way. But my 10 members in the House must be given something. You have my full support and anything Anambra that comes to the House, pass it speedily.”

Okorocha, who spoke in Owerri, the state capital, said the four lawmakers from the state would support the Gbajabiamila/Wase team.

The governor, who hosted the delegation at the Okorocha Foundation College of Africa, said he had been canvassing support for Gbajabiamila since he learnt of his speakership aspiration.

He expressed his conviction about the ability of the duo to reposition the House of Representatives for legislations that will be beneficial to Nigerians.

“My endorsement of Gbajabiamila came before now. Gbajabiamila is not a do-or-die politician, and he even deserves the position without the party endorsement,” Okorocha said.

Wike, who received the delegation yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, said he would support Gbajabiamila because he had shown over the years to be able, capable and experienced enough to lead the next House.

The governor stressed that his support for Gbajabiamila and Wase was not based on party line nor ethnic considerations.

Wike said he was impressed by the efforts the duo made to consider him worthy enough to be consulted and visited for such a national issue.

“I don’t support you based on party lines; I support you based on capacity. When you get there, we must work as a people. Your party is just a vehicle to convey you to your political destination.

“Party line is the major reason Nigeria has not made any progress. It was the reason our Electoral Act was not assented to,” he said.

Wike advised Gbajabiamila to put Nigeria first when he becomes Speaker of the ninth House on June 10.

Gbajabiamila noted that though he and Wase possessed the requisite leadership skills and legislative experience to successfully pilot the affairs of the ninth House, there was a need for them to seek the support and blessing of the governor, whom he said they respected so much.