Fresh lawmaker joins race for speaker

A newly elected lawmaker from Niger State, yesterday, said he is interested in becoming the speaker of the House of Representatives.

Ahmed Abu, elected to represent Lavun/Mokwa, Edati federal constituency, was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In an interview with our reporter in Abuja the lawmaker said that, if elected as the speaker, he would bring his wealth of experience from the private sector to help build a better Nigeria.

He said that he would make meaningful contributions to the House, especially by ensuring cohesion and reducing executive/legislative friction.

Abu also argued that being a good speaker did not depend on the period of time one has spent in the House, but on what he had to offer in terms of quality leadership and direction.

He insisted that the leadership of National Assembly should be chosen based on merit, adding that the old members should allow their new colleagues to bring fresh ideas to move the House forward.

He added that his speakership will champion legislations that will help the APC deliver on its campaign promises.

On the stiff competition for the seat, he said that the candidate with a better idea about what the legislature should do for the country should be elected, irrespective of the person’s period of stay in the National Assembly.