10th Assembly Speaker: Betara's aspiration suffers setback as Wike, Ibori back Wase

Move by one of the aspirants from the North East, Aliyu Betara, to rally opposition party federal lawmakers, particularly of the People’s Democratic Party behind him to emerge Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly may have suffered a serious setback.

Former Delta State governor, James Ibori and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, Nigerian Tribune gathered have assured incumbent Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase of support of federal lawmakers from the two South-South States ahead of the inauguration of the National Assembly slated for June.

The two top chieftains of the PDP pledged their support to Honourable Wase on Monday when the latter visited them separately in Ikoyi, Lagos and Port Harcourt, the Rivers.

Wase in company of returning and fresh lawmakers had visited two-term Ogun state governor, Segun Osoba in Lagos as part of his nationwide consultations before proceeding to Rivers to meet with Wike.

Checks revealed that reminiscent of what happened in the 8th National Assembly when opposition party lawmakers ensured victory for Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara to emerge as Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives, respectively as against the APC favoured candidates, Betara Chairman House Committee on Appropriation and member, representing Biu, Bayo, Kwaya Kusar, Shani Federal Constituency of Borno State in the House of Representatives, has allegedly opened discussion with opposition lawmakers to push through his ambition.

In the emerging 10th National Assembly, the PDP already has 102 seats to APC 162 while the Labour Party has 34 seats and the New Nigerian Peoples Party ( NNPP) 18 seats.

Speaking at his Ikoyi residence when he played host to Wase and his team, the former Delta state governor promised to galvanise support for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in his move to succeed the incumbent, Femi Gbajabiamila.

“I’m with you; I have done my checks on you and I’m convinced you are well prepared for the job and I am happy you are here even though I have sent words to you through our Rep members that they should go with you. I wish you all the best.

“Don’t hesitate to come to me anytime you are in need of whatever thing that will enhance this project. I will help you speak to all my friends, as many as I have. Many are waiting to put the right things properly to make Nigeria the envy of Africa and the world. You are good to go, you are in that mood.”