Why I want to be speaker — Gbajabiamila

Femi Gbajabiamila

Majority leader of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has declared his intention to contest for the position of speaker in the 9th assembly.

Gbajabiamila announced his candidacy in a ceremony on Sunday at Lagos/Osun hall of Transcorp Hilton hotel, Abuja.

Gbajabiamila, who represents Surulere II federal constituency, will be returning to the House for a fifth term.

“We are not where we ought to be considering the abundance of talents and the blessings from God. However, I am rest assured that slowly but surely we will get there,” he said.

The lawmaker added that “it is because of this unshakeable belief in the potential and genius of Nigeria and the majesty of our democracy that I today, after wide consultations with my colleagues, friends, family, party and stakeholders and in total submission to the will of God, today formally declare my intention to seek the position of the office of the speaker of the 9th Assembly and offer my service to the nation in this capacity.

“With all sense of humility, I seek this office with a rich legislative background and pedigree and having just won a historic 5th term mandate to the house, I have in the last 16 years dedicated my life to the service of my constituents and Nigeria.

“I have studied and understood the intricate workings of the legislature, a critical arm of government and I have come to understand the imperative of striking a delicate balance in the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government without compromising the latter‘s independence.”

All Progressives Congress (APC) has a clear majority of about 200 of 360 seats in the House.

The party has also said it would announce the zoning process for leadership positions in the House on Tuesday.