A coalition of Niger Delta groups and the Citizens United to Save Democracy (CUSD) have insisted the speakership of the 9th House of Representatives be zoned to the North-central for equity to reign in the country.
Both groups made their positions known in statements issued in Abuja Sunday saying that the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership which favoured the South-west zone was undemocratic.
Accordingly they opposed the choice of Femi Gbajabiamila who was endorsed by the party and opted for the candidacy of the Hon John Dyegh, Plateau state North-central for the speakership post.
The Nigeria Delta coalition in a statement signed by Comrade Nwokoma Messiah of the Niger Delta Renaissance Organisation (NDRO), Comrade Collins Obilor of the Niger Delta Project (NDP) and Ibiye Douglas of Ijaw Justice Forum (IJF), urged lawmakers from the Niger Delta to vote for Hon John Dyegh based on available facts to the coalition.
“For the purpose of justice, equity and fair play, we in the Niger Delta region through this coalition have decided to endorse Hon John Dyegh for the position of speaker of the House of Representatives.”
“Aside the issue of competence, which we believe a lot of the members have from all sections of the country and party divide, we believe in justice and equity and it our stand that it will be morally wrong not to consider the north central, which has been the mist politically marginalised since the advent of the present democracy in the country.”
“On the issue of who voted for the party and the president, the coalition is saying north central showed strong support for the president despite the challenges from other areas, it will be morally unacceptable for them not to be given the position of speaker.”
The Niger Delta group observed that “it is also imperative to recognise the fact that Hon. John Dyegh emerged victorious despite such challenges and the best we can do is to give him the support that will ensure the party makes further inroads in Benue and the region as a whole.”
Similarly, CUSD in a statement issued by its publicity secretary, Comrade Fashola Adams said: “Hon. John Dyegh as speaker of the 9th House of Representatives is an idea whose time has come and e call on the entire members of the House to support his historic candidacy irrespective of sectional, ethnic or religious affiliation.”
The group explained that “this is due to his proven track record of competence, honesty, dedication, transparency, efficiency, humility, inclusiveness and widespread acceptance cutting across the length and breadth of the hallowed green chamber.”
According to them, “having served a record two times and heading for third term, Hon. John Dyegh knows his onions and with him as speaker, the 9th House would witness robust, vibrant and purposeful leadership.”
The two groups then urged the leadership of the party to reconsider its earlier stand of zoning it to the South-west and allow the North-central to have the slot.
