2015: Members Of House Of Representatives Who Want To Be Governor In Their States

 

The new twists in the battle of supremacy between Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and All Progressives Congress, APC, members in the House of Representatives is, predictably, generating dust.

But, surprisingly, the development is not the issue, dominating the chamber.  Instead, what seems to be gaining the attention of many since the return of members of the Green Chamber from a two-week Sallah holiday is the governorship ambition of some members.

Although discussions on the matter have always been there, they have taken a new dimension, eclipsing other issues. It is for that reason that little is being heard of the 2015 Appropriation Bill currently before the chamber. Similarly, the level of implementation of the budget of the outgoing year is not being discussed by the lawmakers. This is a departure from the usual practice where the lawmakers at this period of the year often engage the executives in fisticuffs over the performance of the budget.

Somehow, it is not surprising that the governorship ambition of some members have drowned other issues in the chamber. The individuals concerned are not just ordinary members. Apart from that, developments in the national polity as well as their political parties have made their aspirations more intriguing.

Prominent House members in the governorship race include Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, PDP, Imo; Emmanuel Jime, APC, Benue; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, PDP, Enugu; Kaka Kyari Gujbawu, PDP, Borno; Ndudi Elumelu, PDP, Delta; Suleiman Kawu, APC, Kano, and Bethel Amadi, PDP, Imo.

Interestingly, they are all upbeat that they will fly the flag of their parties in the 2015 poll.

So far, some factors and development tend to support that optimism.

This is how they stand.

Emeka Ihedioha

For a long time, his ambition has dominated the political space in Imo State. This informed why his picking the PDP intent form last week raised huge dust, both within and outside the state. The reason is two-fold. First, Ihedioha has, for years, prepared himself for the contest. He has devoted both time and resources in building structures in the state. He has also etched his name in the mind of electorate in the state by attracting some infrastructure and dividends of democracy not only to his zone but also to different parts of Imo.

Secondly, he made optimum use of his current office, strengthening and expanding his clout and influence both in the House and PDP circles. The rift between the leadership of the House and the presidency would have robbed off negatively on the Deputy Speaker but for his savvy handling of the matter.

Although his boss, Aminu Tambuwal stayed away from some key national and PDP events, Ihedioha refused to take such a step. He participated in those events and even made remarks that soothed the President’s ears.

In the power play between PDP and APC in the House, Ihedioha never sat on the fence. Each time there was an axe to grind, he would align with the PDP. The Presidency and the leadership of the party were happy at the development.

Can he pick the PDP ticket? This is one question that has not received a definite answer. Certainly, he has been working hard to achieve that. He recently completed his tour of all the local government areas in the state where he met with party leaders at the grassroots. One may be tempted to say that Ihedioha is coasting home to victory but such conclusion may not stand the test of time.

And these are reasons for that. Some other contestants are as formidable and well placed as Ihedioha himself. For instance, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume and Bethel Amadi have extensive network and deep pockets, factors that the deputy speaker is hoping to rely on to shove other aspirants aside.

However, at the end of the day, the deciding factor would be the person with the ruggedness, widespread acceptability and political savyness to confront the incumbent governor of the state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha who is of the APC.

If such criteria would be used to nominate the PDP candidate, it means the fight will be between Ihedioha and Ararume. Perhaps, the Deputy Speaker will carry the day at the end of the day.

Emmanuel Jime

So far, the lawmaker appears to have the governorship ticket of APC in his pocket. Currently, the House Committee chairman on Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is enjoying a great deal of support for the Benue governorship race. He is hoping that leaders of the APC would continue to file behind him till the end.

Ndudi Elumelu

On the surface, Elumelu, Chairman, House Committee on Health, is a man to beat in the race for the ticket of PDP in Delta State, given his background and the stature of those sticking out their necks for his ambition. But it will be simplistic to look at the whole from that perspective only. Delta politics has always been riddled with intrigues. He can only hope that the politics of zone will not thwart his ambition.

For Gujbawu, Kawu and Amadi agreed they are political fighters; they have huge roadblocks on their way. Though Gujbawu is a stronger supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan he is unlikely to be handed the ticket of the party only on that score. Other considerations like getting a politician that can defeat Gov Shettima of APC who is unarguably on ground will be place far and above being just a Jonathan’s lackey. The lawmaker will need the support of Borno Elders to clinch the ticket.

In the case of Kawu, the deputy minority leader of the House, it will take divine intervention for him to win the APC ticket in Kano. Agreed that he is not at war with Gov Rabiu Kwankwaso he is not known to be one of kitchen cabinet members. He has always longed to govern Kano, his main challenge will be getting his Governor who is totally in control of APC structures in Kano to back his aspiration.

Sure, the entire picture in all the states will soon unfold. What is certain is that not all the Reps who are currently in the race to govern their states will achieve the lofty dream. But those who will be dropped by their parties are mostly likely to be compensated with other positions. For now everybody is keenly watching the drama as it unfolds.

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

Of all the House members, who have eyes on the governorship of their states, the chairman House Committee on Maritime is unarguably the luckiest. He is the only one, who has been endorsed by his party in the state.

Although some politicians in Enugu State are challenging the endorsement, the opposition is not strong enough to elicit apprehension. To a large extent, he is waiting to be formally crowned when the PDP primaries take place. And that is why congratulatory messages from diverse quarters have been dotting his steps.

…House begins debate on confab report

 The House of Representatives yesterday said it would begin debate on the reports of the National Conference.House Committee Chairman on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, Kwara, APC, who disclosed this during a session with newsmen, said the conference report was sent to the chamber by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The House spokesman revealed that every member had been handed the report to study ahead of a possible debate next week.

He said: “Yes, the report has been sent to us by Mr. President; it has been given to every member. We will study and maybe, the debate on it will start as early as next week.”

On whether the reports would be accommodated in the ongoing constitution review, which harmonised version was approved last Wednesday, Mohammed said the House was looking forward for such accommodation.

“There may be an accommodation of aspects of the report that have not been handled in the amendment for the improvement of our society and democracy”, he clarified.

On the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) the House spokesman said there was no need for the current fuss over whether or not the bill will be passed before the expiration of the current assembly.

According to him, arrangements have been concluded on the passage of the bill. He however, did not specify the date the passage of the bill will take place.

He said, “This seventh assembly will pass PIB. We are here to make good laws that will better our constituents and PIB is one of such laws that will unbundle the oil industry and provide jobs to Nigerians”.

He stressed, “I would have loved to give you the date we may pass the bill but I will not do that, all I can tell you is that we will pass PIB”.

Although he admitted that there had political coloration associated with the bill, he dismissed claims that the passage of the bill was deliberately delayed because of vested interests.

He argued that the day was to addressed concerns about the bill, restating that it will be passed soon.

The Sun