10th NASS: Abbas, Kalu storm Osun to seek Governor Adeleke’s support

Aspirant for the House of Representatives Speakership for the 10th National Assembly, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, has sought the support of the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for his ambition to be the next Speaker of the House.

Abbas led a delegation of serving and House of Representatives members-elect on a courtesy visit to Adeleke at his office in Osogbo.

The third-term lawmaker, representing Zaria Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also congratulated Adeleke on his recent victory at the Supreme Court which affirmed his election.

Flanked by the candidate endorsed by the APC for the post of Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, the lawmaker further said, “The party leadership has anointed me alongside Benjamin Kalu as the Speaker and Deputy.

For us to make our task easier, we commenced what is called the Joint Task which is an independent group set up by the members of House of Representatives across 8 political parties in the House. The task force is the umbrella that we are using to actualise our ambition.

“If you look at the party representatives here, you will see APC, LP, PDP and others. I want to assure you that we are over 200 that are in support of the ambition comprising returning lawmakers and first-timers.

“We are here to introduce ourselves to you and we believe that with your pedigree as the governor of Osun, you have been in the party before there are so many things that you can offer to us like advice, support and prayers. We believe that you will receive us as your children and your brothers so that this movement will see the light of day. We are here to present ourselves to you.”

Responding, Adeleke urged Abbas to reciprocate Osun’s support after he must have emerged as speaker by championing cause that would improve appropriation for the state.

He appealed to the incoming leadership of the House to support the ongoing MKO Abiola International Airport project in Ido-Osun by appropriating funds for the project.

He said, “I want to state that we are going to support you. But we also seek support of the House for appropriation of funds for our ongoing airport project. This will open up Osun to the world.”

Adeleke also implored Abbas to respect the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party in the zoning of the minority positions in the House.