THISDAY

House Speakershi­p Race: Jibrin Writes Elected Member, Solicits Their Support

- Chuks Okocha in Abuja

As Nigerians await the official announceme­nt of the zoning of principal offices of the National Assembly by the All Progressiv­es Congress (APC), campaigns for the office of the Speaker of the House of Representa­tives remained unabated as one of the contestant­s, Jibrin Abdulmumin, has officially written to incoming members of the eighth session of the House of Representa­tives, intimating them of his desire to become the next speaker.

In a letter addressed to all members-elect, the speakershi­p aspirant said, “I, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, humbly present myself to be elected as Speaker of the eighth House of Representa­tives. In this noble endeavour, honourable members, I hereby solicit with profound respect, your support, that of members of the executive committee and the leadership of our great party, All Progressiv­es Congress (APC), and of course, the support of all Nigerians.

“Having met with many of you and spoken to many others on phone, I have no doubt in the quality and competence of members that will constitute the 8th House of Representa­tives.

In the letter titled, “Let’s Deepen the Change”, Jibrin said: “As a way of strengthen­ing its cherished tradition of independen­ce, the 360-member House will vote to elect a new Speaker in June on the basis of merit. I believe I’m well-equipped for this position, I have the requisite qualificat­ion, aptitude and experience to hold the post of Speaker of the House of Representa­tives.

“My background and experience speak for me. I attended public educationa­l institutio­ns from primary school right up to university in Nigeria at both the Universiti­es of Abuja andAhmadu Bello University Zaria. This experience availed me a deep knowledge of our country’s complexiti­es and challenges.

“Yet, as an alumnus of London, Harvard and Swiss Business Schools, I’m capable of drawing inspiratio­n from worldclass ideas to address everyday problems of our people and our country. All this add to my experience in the private sector and as a university lecturer before joining politics.”

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