HOUSE OF REPS GETS NEW SPEAKER, INSIST ON RIGHT TO CHOOSE ITS PRESIDING OFFICERS
The House of Representatives held its first session and inauguration on Tuesday 9, June 2015. The session was presided over by the Clerks to the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa who called for nominations of candidates for the position of Speaker. Hon. Jibrin (Kano) nominated Hon. Yakubu Dogara who stood up to affirm his acceptance to be the next Speaker of the House. In the same vein, another member, Hon. Mohammed Sani (Bauchi) rose to nominate Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to become the next Speaker. Gbajabiamilia accepted to assume the duties of the speaker amid cheers from his party members and caucus.
The Clerk in the absence of any other nomination proceeded to read out the guidelines for the speakership election. Meanwhile the Clerk had earlier announced that 358 members were present at the session after the roll call was done and that the proceeding may commence since the number was more than the required quorum which is, 150. The election was done and every member took turn to cast their votes in an open ballot.
Hon. Dogara representing Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa-Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State defeated his contender, Gbajabiamila after scoring 182 above Gbajabiamila’s 174.
Same process was adopted for the position of the Deputy Speaker of the House. Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Lasun of Irepodun/Olorunda/Osogbo/Orolu federal Constituency in Osun State. Hon. Lasun polled 203 votes to defeat his opponent, Mr. Tahir, who had 153 votes.
The New Speaker with his Deputy were immediately sworn-in by the Clerk and both the oath of allegiance and of membership were duly administered on them as they celebrated with their colleagues, friends, family and fans.