The leadership crisis that rocked the House of Representatives since its inauguration was finally settled Tuesday, as the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, named Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the leader of the House.
Dogara, made the announcement towards the end of plenary. Alhassan Doguwa was named Chief whip, Buba Jibrin, the Deputy House leader; and Pally Iriase as deputy Chief whip.
The minority principal officers, as announced by the Speaker, were Leo Ogor, minority leader; Chukwuma Onyema, deputy minority leader; Umar Barde, minority whip and Binta Bello as deputy minority whip.
Gbajabiamila assured that the heat over selection of principal officers was finally over. In his words, “The crisis is over, there are no more groups. We are all members of one family, expect a new vibrant House you used to know. We will defend the interest of every Nigerian,” he said.
The Speaker of the House also apologized to Nigerians for the brawl that occurred on June 25th at the floor of the House.
“Today, as we resume, I am not ashamed to, once again, reiterate our unreserved apologies to the people of Nigeria for that unfortunate incident and promise that we shall be the vibrant House of the Nigerian people that we are.
“Let us, therefore, resolve here and now to activate our mandate by kick-starting the real business of the people and our nation. May the Almighty God help us to humble ourselves and to dedicate our all to diligence in the task ahead.”
“Members of the eighth House of Representatives have shown that we are matured politicians. Politics is about give and take and that is what has happened.” another member of the House said.
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