Tambuwal Defects...

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 28^th 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 4^th December, 2014

Deputy House Leader (Hon. Leo Ogor): seconds the motion to adjourn the House Sitting to 4^th 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.