Virtues That Qualifies Wase As Speaker for The Tenth Assembly.

By Rev. Dominic Alancha

As race for the next leadership of the 10th Speaker kicks off, the battle for whom becomes the next Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives tops the agenda of over 18 Members-Elect who have thrown in the challenge to contest for the number four seat in the country. For political observers and patriots concerned, the 10th Assembly will be inaugurated on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 after its formal proclamation by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who would by then be officially inaugurated as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Reviewing the history of the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives and how it has contributed to the democratic growth of the country, the duo of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and his Deputy, Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, has brought about a tremendous change and legislative reformation to the institution.

For the first time ever, the House now conducts its legislative works electronically by installing digital system in the green Chamber. Within a year of their leadership, e-voting was introduced which now makes the chamber less paperless while every documents needed for legislative business are uploaded for easy access.

Speaker Gbaja and his Deputy, Hon. Wase have set a record in our nation’s history and both deserves commendation. Let me also put it that they have moved into the ranks of the most effective and vibrant legislators in the democratic history of Nigeria.

While some would have expected a rift between the two, both have worked hard to ensure that their joint ticket was not a regrettably one. Since Wase’s reign as Deputy Speaker, he gave and still giving all the required support to the Office of the Speaker and as well managing executive-legislative working relationship.

Rt. Hon. Wase, the certified Civil Engineer and a product of Harvard Kennedy School of Government in Strategic Governance was first elected in 2007 and served as Chairman, House Committee on Federal Character from 2011 until his appointment as Deputy Leader. He was a member of the Federal Government Delegation to the 89th Session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York, United States in 2016. Hon. Wase has worked in so many Committees and known to be an effective advocate for youth empowerment and poverty alleviation.

Hon. Wase’s sterling performance in the House has made opposition members ascribe to the fundamental objectives of the 9th Legislative Agenda initiated by the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Wase’s cordial relationship with his colleagues and the grassroots has been cordial so much that when he presides, he does so smoothly and efficiently. He ensures every member is allowed to present his motions according to the House rules. He is sociable, accessible, approachable, and ready to listen to opposing views.

At the grassroot level, he is always willing and ready to solve their little problems and has helped many grassroot members across the divides to fit into some government institutions.

Hon. Wase has been instrumental in pushing and passing Bills that contributes to the economic development of the country. His love for the entrenchment of democracy and raising a voice for the underprivileged knows no bound as he is the first to contribute to Bills and Motions raised in the House. His colleagues in the House are eager to share thoughts with him knowing that he has listening ears.

Hon. Wase is a loyal party man to the Core. The events of 2019 is still fresh to reckon with. Even when decision didn’t go his way, he has never contemplated to dump the progressives party to achieve his aim. Instead, he accepted the decision and has since stood with his party to further the ideals of the APC.

With the robust legislative experience of Wase garnered over the years, it is ony fair for the party to zone the seat to the north central and not just that, but to also unanimously adopt him as the candidate.

The quality of Bills, motions, legislative interventions made during his four years as Deouty speaker put him at edge over every other contenders.

More importantly is that Wase’s strong leadership skills has United every member of the divides. He has been able to manage the House even when there are revolts against some Executive decision that needs the House’s approval. Rather than stand aloof, he builds consensus and manage competitng interest and negoatiate with major stakeholders. His stong communication skills puts him at par over other candidates jostling for the position.

Whenever Wase presides, he has always used his power responsibly and with integrity. He places the interest of the Nigerian people above his personal or political agains. His commitment to public serive cannot be compromised. He has always conducted himself in ways and manners that qualifies him as a true democrat and a listening leader.

Undoubtedly, Hon. Wase has proven beyond every reasonable doubt that amog every other contenders for the race, he is the most qualified owing to his pedigree, records, and loyalty to the APC.

As Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila will be bowing out as Speaker of the Ninth Assembly, his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase should continue with the progresves aganeda of the APC as Speaker of the Tenth National Assembly.