By Anthony Iwuoma
A frontline contender for the post of Speaker of the incoming 9th House of Representatives, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, is a dependable bridge builder whose emergence will speedily reintegrate the Igbo into Nigeria’s mainstream political leadership.
That is the popular view of political pundits and analysts across the country, one of whom is Hon. Finian Chuks.
Chuks described Nwajiuba, member-elect, representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency, as a big masquerade whose entry into the race has upset previous calculations, permutations and zoning arrangements in the House of Representatives.
He said: “Before now, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was said to have endorsed the sole candidature of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, representing Surulere Federal Constituency of Lagos State, for the position of Speaker of the 9th Assembly, a position that has been roundly criticised, condemned and rejected by not a few members of the party and the opposition.
A frontline contender for the post of Speaker of the incoming 9th House of Representatives, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, is a dependable bridge builder whose emergence will speedily reintegrate the Igbo into Nigeria’s mainstream political leadership.
That is the popular view of political pundits and analysts across the country, one of whom is Hon. Finian Chuks.
Chuks described Nwajiuba, member-elect, representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency, as a big masquerade whose entry into the race has upset previous calculations, permutations and zoning arrangements in the House of Representatives.
He said: “Before now, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was said to have endorsed the sole candidature of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, representing Surulere Federal Constituency of Lagos State, for the position of Speaker of the 9th Assembly, a position that has been roundly criticised, condemned and rejected by not a few members of the party and the opposition.
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“Other House of Representatives members-elect had vowed to defy the party and actually declared interest to contest for the position of Speakership, saying it was within their constitutional rights to contest for the office while others hinged their decision on ethnic balancing in the distribution of national political offices, built on justice, equity and fairness.
“Political watchers see Hon. Nwajiuba’s emergence as upsetting all calculations, permutations and zoning arrangements in the House of Representatives.
“Already, those who are advocating for justice, equity and fairness in the distribution of public offices are quick to point out that North-West has produced the President; South-West, Vice President; Senate President, North-East; South-South, Deputy Senate President, which also has the party chairman.
“It is only logical, in the name of equity and fairness, to zone the Speaker’s position to the South-East.”
He described Nwajiuba as a divine project, Chuks recalled how the lawmaker was able to survive all bottlenecks put on his way by the outgoing Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.
He said: “Nwajiuba has overcome all the political battles unleashed on him by the outgoing Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and is today on the verge of becoming the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives.
“Nwajiuba’s faultless goodwill and nationwide appeal, as a political strategist, it is expected that his emergence will speedy the reintegration of Ndigbo to Nigeria’s mainstream political leadership.
“He has over the years, built an enviable network of friends across the geo-political zones, across party leanings and across all peoples with varied persuasions. This is where his political sagacity and suaveness come in.”
“Other House of Representatives members-elect had vowed to defy the party and actually declared interest to contest for the position of Speakership, saying it was within their constitutional rights to contest for the office while others hinged their decision on ethnic balancing in the distribution of national political offices, built on justice, equity and fairness.
“Political watchers see Hon. Nwajiuba’s emergence as upsetting all calculations, permutations and zoning arrangements in the House of Representatives.
“Already, those who are advocating for justice, equity and fairness in the distribution of public offices are quick to point out that North-West has produced the President; South-West, Vice President; Senate President, North-East; South-South, Deputy Senate President, which also has the party chairman.
“It is only logical, in the name of equity and fairness, to zone the Speaker’s position to the South-East.”
He described Nwajiuba as a divine project, Chuks recalled how the lawmaker was able to survive all bottlenecks put on his way by the outgoing Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.
He said: “Nwajiuba has overcome all the political battles unleashed on him by the outgoing Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and is today on the verge of becoming the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives.
“Nwajiuba’s faultless goodwill and nationwide appeal, as a political strategist, it is expected that his emergence will speedy the reintegration of Ndigbo to Nigeria’s mainstream political leadership.
“He has over the years, built an enviable network of friends across the geo-political zones, across party leanings and across all peoples with varied persuasions. This is where his political sagacity and suaveness come in.”
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It is expected that the eventual realisation of the Nwajiuba Speakership project will be dependent on the formidable and unassailable network of political friendship Hon. Nwajiuba has built across virtually all the geopolitical zones of the country over the years. His acclaimed closeness to those at the political helm of affairs in the country will certainly guarantee mutual relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.
According to Chuks: Nwajiuba’s goodly disposition has endeared him to so many of his colleagues at the National Assembly and politicians across the country. Little wonder his quest for this plum office is receiving a groundswell of endorsements and support from all the nooks and crannies of the country.
“In his days in the House between 1999 and 2003, he was one of the most effective and efficient legislators, who initiated ground-breaking reforms, engaged in robust debates and kept the executive on toes, even when he supported and promoted mutual relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.
“As then Chairman, Works, Lands and Housing Committee and was instrumental to the construction of the three major roads in Imo State. This stood him out not just as an astute politician and legislator, but also a great mobiliser, who knows his way around people and can rally colleagues to his cause, which is essentially what lawmaking, is about.
It is expected that the eventual realisation of the Nwajiuba Speakership project will be dependent on the formidable and unassailable network of political friendship Hon. Nwajiuba has built across virtually all the geopolitical zones of the country over the years. His acclaimed closeness to those at the political helm of affairs in the country will certainly guarantee mutual relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.
According to Chuks: Nwajiuba’s goodly disposition has endeared him to so many of his colleagues at the National Assembly and politicians across the country. Little wonder his quest for this plum office is receiving a groundswell of endorsements and support from all the nooks and crannies of the country.
“In his days in the House between 1999 and 2003, he was one of the most effective and efficient legislators, who initiated ground-breaking reforms, engaged in robust debates and kept the executive on toes, even when he supported and promoted mutual relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.
“As then Chairman, Works, Lands and Housing Committee and was instrumental to the construction of the three major roads in Imo State. This stood him out not just as an astute politician and legislator, but also a great mobiliser, who knows his way around people and can rally colleagues to his cause, which is essentially what lawmaking, is about.
