House of Reps: APC Tells Lasun to Step Down So Gbajabiamila Can Become Deputy Speaker

The All Progressives Congress, APC has asked Yusuf Lasun, who was elected deputy speaker of the house of representatives on June 9 to step down so that its preferred candidate, Femi Gbajabiamila, can become the deputy speaker.



After hours of negotiations on Monday night, the top hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has proposed that its preferred candidate for majority leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, should become the deputy speaker.

A member of the house of reps informed TheCable that the proposal means Yusuf Lasun, who was elected deputy speaker on June 9, will have to voluntarily step down — since he can only be removed by two-thirds majority of the house and that is not thought to be on the cards. Lasun had on Monday vowed not to be forced out and the issue remained unresolved even after the meeting ended in the early hours of Tuesday ahead of house resumption. Other highlights of the proposals include the choice of principal officers and composition of committees.

If the proposals are accepted, Gbajabiamila will become deputy speaker and will be allowed to nominate chairpersons for 60% of the “Grade A” committees, including finance. The speaker, Yakubu Dogara, will nominate the principal officers — majority leader, deputy majority leader, chief whip and deputy chief whip — while also nominating chairpersons for three “Grade A” committees — appropriation, customs and public petitions.

Source; The Cable