10th Assembly: Urgent Need For Ebonyi To Produce Deputy Speaker

By Comr. Charles Iteshi,Awka

Power rotation was one of the principles that Nigerians debated at the Constitutional Conference convened by the late General Sani Abacha between 1994 and 1996 as a means of preventing future re-occurrence of the ugly fall-outs of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election purportedly won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola. In the last few months, I have followed the debate and power struggle centred on the issue of zoning especially the position of the Deputy speaker of the 10th National Assembly. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious country, and as such, it is urgent and imperative that the All Progressives Congress party (APC) maintains power balancing as well as strengthens the cords of unity and peaceful co-existence amongst the Nigerian people by zoning the position of Deputy Speaker to the South-East

However, research and records indicate that since the return of democratic rule in 1999, the South-East geopolitical zone is the only zone yet to have the opportunity to produce the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The nearest the zone has come is Deputy Speaker between 2011 and 2015. For the avoidance of doubt, from 1999 to 2007, the position of Speaker was zoned to the North-West with Rt. Hons. Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar Na’Abba and Aminu Bello Masari as Speakers. Also, from 2007 to 2011, the South-West produced Rt. Hon. Patricia Etteh and Dimeji Bankole presiding; and the North-West taking another chance between 2011 and 2015, with Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as Speaker and Emeka Ihedioha as Deputy. In 2015, the North-East produced Yakubu Dogara as Speaker. By 2019, it returned to the South-West again with the current Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila. Suffice it to say that Ebonyi State never produced the Deputy Speakership position of green chamber in Nigeria. To bridge the lacuna, there is urgent need for Ebonyi State to produce the next deputy speaker and the position should be occupied by the member-elect, Ikwo/Ezza-South federal constituency who is the ranking member of the house and also currently the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, Rt. Hon. (Comrade) Chinedu Ogah, OON. Rt. Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ogah is a seasoned politician and legislative giant whose track record can't be easily beaten in the history of Ikwo/Ezza south constituency. He has served in the House in various capacities as Chairman, House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, and a member of the following House Committees; Communication, Reformatory institution, FCT Area Council and ancillary matters; Federal Character; Electoral matters; Petroleum Resources (downstream); Public Accounts; Sports; Agricultural Production and services; Works; Police; Health; among others. Hon. Ogah's track record of excellence and commitment to service has endeared him to many across party lines. His leadership qualities and experience over the years makes him a perfect fit for the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Rt. Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ogah has shown a remarkable commitment to the welfare of his constituents and Nigerians at large. He initiated and executed several projects and programmes for the people. He has contributed hugely to the Nation building and to a greater extent distinguished himself in many areas that concerns the societal needs. One of the areas that Ogah has prioritized is education. He has awarded scholarship to many students. He also constructed and renovated several classrooms and school buildings in the constituency. Hon. Ogah is committed to improving the healthcare system in his constituency. He has provided medical equipment and drugs to several health facilities, including the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. He constructed and renovated health centres in several communities, which has improved people's access to healthcare. In infrastructure, Comrade Chinedu Ogah constructed and rehabilitated roads, bridges, and culverts, which has improved transportation and connectivity. He also provided electricity to some communities in his constituency who were previously in darkness. Hon Ogah is highly committed to reducing unemployment in his constituency. He has attracted more than 700 federal jobs to his constituents and Ebonyi at large. He gave support to some small and medium enterprises, which has created job opportunities for the people. He also initiated and executed several programmes aimed at empowering the youth and women to improve their economic status. As Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources, Hon. Ogah worked tirelessly to promote the development of solid minerals in Nigeria. He advocated for policies that will attract investment in the sector, create jobs and boost the economy. Nigeria must not afford to lose Hon Comrade Chinedu Ogah as the next Deputy Speaker. His wealth of experience, expertise, and unparalleled passion for service ought to be out into consideration. He will make a difference and deliver excellently. The members-elect of the 10th National Assembly should make Nigeria great by electing Hon Comrade Chinedu Ogah as the Deputy Speaker for this will be a round peg in round hole. Written by Comrade Charles Iteshi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.