Something akin to palpable tension is brewing in Abuja and generally in political circles in Nigeria as the clock ticks down to the election of President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives after the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly tomorrow.
The election of the nation’s Numbers 3 and 4 citizens has generated much interest, controversy and even acrimony within and outside the ruling party in particular and the whole country in general.
The ruling APC has obviously anointed some of its members to hold the top leadership positions in the Assembly but many members have kicked against the party’s ‘anointing’, saying it is clearly an intrusion and unnecessary involvement in the running of the legislature.
Senator Ahmed Lawan is the party’s choice for Senate President while Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has been put forward as House Speaker.
There’s no doubt that the two are experienced and ranking lawmakers with several terms under their belt. The deputy positions in each case are also choice apples.
Those challenging the party nominees, however, also flount almost the same qualifications. Even the opposition party has candidates for the top positions and seem poised to grab the beef if the ruling party does not put its house in order.
Of course a lot of horse trading will be the order of the day till the last minute, with some candidates said to be making mouth-watering offers to attract votes.
Many camps are playing the religious, federal character and ethnic cards and there seem to be no end to the tension until tomorrow’s voting which will likely be by secret ballot, in which case no one can actually say who voted for who, in spite of endorsements galore and nationwide campaigns by some candidates.
As the main challenger for the Senate President, Ali Ndume has gleefully said, “Lawan may have the endorsements but I have the votes”.
Looks like we have a fight to finish on our hands.
May Nigeria be the winner at the end of the day.
It is of interest to know the Nigerians who have held the two coveted positions of Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker since independence in 1960.
| 1. | Nnamdi Azikiwe | 1960 | |
| 2 | Dennis Osadebay | 1960-1963 | |
| 3 | Nwafor Orizu | 1963-1966 | |
| 4 | Joseph Wayas | 1979- 1983 | |
| 5 | Iyorchia Ayu | 1992-1993 | |
| 6 | Ameh Ebute | 1993 | |
| 7 | Evan Enwerem | 1999 | |
| 8 | Chuba Okadigbo | 1999-2000 | |
| 9 | Anyim Pius Anyim | 2000-2003 | |
| 10 | Adolphus Wabara | 2003-2005 | |
| 11 | Ken Nnamani | 2005-2007 | |
| 12 | David Mark | 2007-2015 | |
| 13 | Bukola Saraki | 2015 till 2019 |
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| 1 | Jaja Wachuku (First indigenous Speaker of the House of Rep. in Nigeria) | 1959-1960 | |
| 2 | Ibrahim Jalo Waziri | 1960-1966 | |
| 3 | Edwin Ume- Ezeoke | 1979-1983 | |
| 4 | Chacha Biam | 1983 | |
| 5 | Salisu Buhari | 1999-2000 | |
| 6 | Ghali Umar Na’Abba | 2000-2003 | |
| 7 | Aminu Bello Masari | 2003-2007 | |
| 8 | Patricia Etteh (First female Speaker of the House of Rep. in Nigeria) | 2007 | |
| 9 | Demeji Bankole | 2007-2011 | |
| 10 | Aminu Waziri Tambuwal | 2011-2015 | |
| 11 | Yakubu Dogara | 2015 till 2019. |
Source/Image Credit: aboutnigerians.com
Placing.org
Wikipedia.org
Voice of Nigeria
Epa Ogie Eboigbe, veteran journalist, broadcaster and public affairs specialist writes and analyses current and historical issues with a ‘wise pen’.
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