Speaker and deputy begs PDP

[emezico]

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, and his deputy, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, on Wednesday apologised to the Peoples Democratic Party for violating its directive on zoning formula.

Tambuwal, who arrived at the PDP headquarters in Abuja at 2pm in company with Ihedioha, met with the party's National Working Committee members for more than one hour.

The NWC members at the meeting included the National Chairman, Dr. Haliru Mohammed; the National Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje; the National Organising Secretary, Chief Uche Secondus; and the National Legal Adviser, Chief Olusola Oke.

Addressing the NWC, Tambuwal admitted the new leadership of the House was aware that their emergence gave the PDP leaders sleepless nights. He, however, explained that their action was not a disrespect to the party and its leaders.

The Speaker stated, "We knew that we actually gave you sleepless nights. As your dear children and loyal members, we are here this afternoon to give you your due respect and to say here and now that all that we did was not intended in anyway, to either undermine our party or out of disrespect.

"It was a share coincidence of the history of this country, and destiny and providence, that at the inauguration of the 7th National Assembly, the House of Representatives in particular, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal from North-West, and Emeka Ihedioha from South-East, contrary to the hope and aspiration of our party, emerged as Speaker and deputy speaker."

Tambuwal, who said their emergence was divinely ordained, promised that the House would ensure the passage of good legislation that would transform the country.

He stated, "It (their emergence) was designed by God. It was not designed by us. We are pleading with our party to forgive whatever it was that went wrong in the process and continue to accept us.

"I know that we have not been rejected as your children and you will continue to guide us in doing only those things that will promote the unity, harmony prosperity and peace of this country."

The speaker assured the national chairman that the House would give maximum cooperation to President Goodluck Jonathan towards ensuring the implementation of the party's programmes.

In his response, Mohammed expressed the PDP's displeasure with the speaker and his deputy for violating the party's constitution.

The chairman said, "We are quite aware that you and your colleagues in the House did not quite work in line with the policy of our party, but you have not left the party. What has happened has happened."

He, however, stated that in spite of the action of the speaker and his deputy, the party had not rejected them.



Source: The Punch