Prologue
In the last 1 year or more, political activities in Sokoto
state and Nigeria suggest that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt.
Hon. Aminu Tambuwal was going to cross the carpet to the main opposition party.
This culminated in his recent meeting with stakeholders in Sokoto; described by
many as the obvious manifestation of the Speaker’s romance with the All
Progressive Congress party and his perceived defection plans.
On 28th October 2014, the following historical event
took place on the floor of the House of Representatives;
{After exhausting items on the agenda of the legislative day
(otherwise referred to as the Order Paper) including passing a motion to
immortalize Dr. Stella Adadevoh and compensate the families of the health
workers who died after contracting the Ebola Virus Disease}
Speaker: The
House Leader
House Leader (Hon.
Mullikat Akande): ….this House may now adjourn to 4th December,
2014
Deputy House Leader (Hon.
Leo Ogor): seconds the motion to adjourn the House Sitting to 4th
Dec. 2014.
Speaker: (raises his gavel and pauses),”Before I hit the
gavel on the motion for adjournment, I want to make this formal announcement to
this House. Based on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, and having
regards to the development of PDP in my state, Sokoto State, I hereby announce
my membership with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Let me register my profound appreciation to all of you, my
colleagues, for the unflinching support you have continued to extend to me for
the overall national interest and development of our democracy. May Almighty
God continue to guide us all.”
Legislators:
Uprooooar!!!!!
Epilogue
Putting all political references aside! This is the first
time in Nigeria that we will have a sitting Speaker of the House of
Representatives defect to the minority opposition party. This is also the first
time the Speaker of the House of Representatives will come from a minority
party (given the present circumstances).
For me, Hon. Tambuwal ascended the seat of the Speaker
beginning with a drama. His last days are gradually lowering the curtains to conclude
the drama that started showing since that day. I can’t help but say, I am happy
to be a living witness to these historical events.
