Tambuwal’s defection: The battles ahead
240 votes needed to impeach Speaker, but PDP’s members are below 200
The switch of allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last Tuesday by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, has brought to an end the hail of speculations, insinuations and denials over his political direction. But the move has opened a new vista for permutation and conjectures on the battles ahead for the Speaker.
The defection is, understandably, the main issue right now, in the nation’s political space. Indeed, for about one year now, the political circles have been dominated by speculations on the Speaker’s romance with the opposition APC. Now that he has defected, Tambuwal, obviously, would be feeling relieved, having mustered courage to quit PDP.
The decision was, by no means, an easy one. Even on Tuesday, when he made the announcement, there were signs that he was struggling within himself on how to let the message out to his colleagues. He had to wait till the end of the plenary before letting the cat out of the bag.
He said: “Before I hit the gavel on the motion for adjournment, I want to make this formal announcement to this House.” “Based on the provision of the 1999 constitution and having regards to the development of PDP in my own state, Sokoto State, I hereby announce my membership of 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.” Expectedly, Tambuwal’s announcement elicited applauses from APC lawmakers, as shouts of “APC! APC!! APC!!!” rent the air. Jubilant APC members moved straight from the chamber to a meeting room where they addressed newsmen on the development. PDP members, on the floor of the House, were visibly rattled by the announcement. Their stone faces eminently showed that. But some of them, especially the principal officers, still walked up to Tambuwal to exchange banters. Surprisingly, unlike APC lawmakers, who immediately went into a meeting, PDP members dispersed to their offices.
Battles ahead:
Although PDP members did not greet Tambuwal’s announcement with brickbats, they did not foreclose engaging him in a battle. The Majority Leader, Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande, hinted at it when she said that they were waiting for a directive from the party’s leadership. She said: “This is a party affair. Members take decision on the floor based on party. So, the party will take decision at the appropriate time.”
If her comments did not eloquently drive home the plans of the party members, her deputy’s statement was detailed and elucidating. Hon. Leo Ogor said, though the Speaker had a right to switch to any party of his choice, in line with the political trend in his state, PDP lawmakers would strategise on the next step to take. According to him: “That decision was a personal decision and has no major implication on our political party. The PDP members of the House will look at the situation and take a position in respect of the defection.”
“He is gone, fine. And he emphasised that his decision borders on his local politics, that it borders on the interest of his people and his constituency. But, all said and done, he came thorough a political party, which was PDP. So, by the provision of section 68G of the constitution, which is still before a court of jurisdiction, I think this is one great opportunity for us to call on the Judiciary. They are also an arm of government. Justice delayed is justice denied. And for this subjected matter before them, it behooves on them to make the necessary interpretations, so that we can lay this issue to rest in respect of defection. It is extremely important. But for us as members of the PDP, we believe that we will continue carrying on the responsibilities of our party.
“We will watch further and definitely will see what happens. Let’s look and see how he manages the House. We will watch him with eagle eyes and interpret every action that he takes.
“Because he has gone does not mean that the PDP does not control the House. He sits down there as the presiding officer; we run the affairs of the House and as people who control the House, we must go the extra mile to protect the interest of our party.”
The leadership of the party has asked the Speaker to quit his position since he is in a party that is in the minority in the House. Although Tambuwal’s party has dismissed the call, PDP is unlikely to allow the matter slip into oblivion. It will not be surprising if some members of the party decide to root for the speaker’s ouster when the House reconvenes on December 3. PDP lawmakers are still boasting with their majority in the chamber.
Though PDP and APC bandy different figures, it is believed that the latter has, at least, 195 members, as against the former’s 160 members. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has about three members while Accord Party has two. With this, Tambuwal’s men are confident that any impeachment move against him will fail because a total of 240 members is needed to effect such removal. Obviously, it will be difficult for the PDP to garner such number, even with the support of APGA and, perhaps, Accord party, since no APC member is likely to cast a vote in support of Tambuwal’s removal.
Also, the mood in the House shows that some PDP members will support Tambuwal’s continued leadership. To be sure, the Speaker still enjoys the support of several PDP colleagues, who, though may not like his defection, will be unwilling to join forces with elements that are asking for the Speaker’s head.
The Speaker may also be counting on the support of such PDP members, as Leo Ogor and Mohammed Bawa, among others, who have personal relationship with him. Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, is also close to Tambuwal but with his aspiration to be governor in Imo State on PDP’s ticket, he would be in a tight corner.
Leadership takes on call for resignation
If there is anything that should make Tambuwal happy, it is the fact that he is still firmly in control of the chamber. This is evident in the response that has emanated from the committee on Media and Public Affairs.
Deputy Chairman of the House, Hon. Victor Ogene, in a statement on behalf of the House, entitled: “You Can’t Regulate Our Procedure From Outside’, said: “Barely 24 hours after Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced a switch of party allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), several individuals, party chieftains and groups have gone on a frenzy, dishing out varied interpretations to the decision.”
“In the main, many of these commentators, rather than correctly stating what the true position of the law and the House rules are, take delight in advertising ignorance of both, with some even advocating a recourse to anarchy, as a way of achieving what they imagine ought to be the ‘solution’ to the issue.
“Following several inquiries by especially journalists and some members of the public, it is easy to narrow the concerns to two key issues. One, whether Speaker Tambuwal ought to vacate his seat as Representative of Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Sokoto State, by virtue of section 68 (1) (g) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended; and two, if he shouldn’t step down as Speaker, having defected from the majority party in the House to a minority platform.
“On the first issue, it is common knowledge that following the defection of 37 members of the House in December 2013, from the PDP to APC, there has been multiple court cases on the matter, thus rendering it subjudice to discuss any likely outcome. Everyone is thus enjoined to await final judicial pronouncement on the issue of defection, which has afflicted virtually all political parties in the land.
“Concerning calls for Mr. Speaker to step down from the position, to which his colleagues freely elected him on June 6, 2011, we wish to reaffirm – even with the pains of almost sounding monotonous – that the Speakership of the House of Representatives or, indeed, any other national elective position, belongs to the generality of Nigerians and not the political platforms upon which such leaders emerge.
“While the case of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who, as a sitting vice president, moved to another political party – and did not get judicial reprobation for the act – is still fresh in our memories, the clear provisions of Section 50(1) (b) of the Nigerian Constitution easily settles the worries, regarding the continued Speakership of Rt. Hon. Tambuwal. ‘There shall be a Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by members of that House from among themselves,’ the above quoted portion of the constitution stipulates. It would, therefore, amount to an affront on members’ privilege to question their constitutionally guaranteed right to freely elect their leader.
“Additionally, Order 1, Rule 1 (2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives states: ‘In all cases not provided for hereinafter, or by Sectional or other Orders, precedents or practices of the House, the House shall by resolution regulate its procedure. “It is in the light of the foregoing that the House wishes to appeal to those who seek to “regulate its procedure” from outside its hallowed chambers to have a rethink, as the nation’s Constitution, the Standing Orders of the House and precedent – as in the Speakership of the late Rt. Hon. Edwin Ume-Ezeoke in the Second Republic on a minority platform – have all provided answers to what would have otherwise been a knotty political issue.” Some people are likely to fault the use of Ume-Ezeoke experience to justify the current situation. This is because Ume-Ezeoke became leader of the House, despite coming from the minority Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) by virtue of the alliance his party entered into with the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN). This is so because when the accord was broken, NPP did not head the House. It’s obvious that between now and December 3 when the House will reconvene, meetings will be held and plot perfected. However, what will be the outcome of all these is a matter of conjecture. The future will tell who will laugh last in the current political muscle flexing between Tambuwal and the PDP.
The switch of allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last Tuesday by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, has brought to an end the hail of speculations, insinuations and denials over his political direction. But the move has opened a new vista for permutation and conjectures on the battles ahead for the Speaker.
The defection is, understandably, the main issue right now, in the nation’s political space. Indeed, for about one year now, the political circles have been dominated by speculations on the Speaker’s romance with the opposition APC. Now that he has defected, Tambuwal, obviously, would be feeling relieved, having mustered courage to quit PDP.
The decision was, by no means, an easy one. Even on Tuesday, when he made the announcement, there were signs that he was struggling within himself on how to let the message out to his colleagues. He had to wait till the end of the plenary before letting the cat out of the bag.
He said: “Before I hit the gavel on the motion for adjournment, I want to make this formal announcement to this House.” “Based on the provision of the 1999 constitution and having regards to the development of PDP in my own state, Sokoto State, I hereby announce my membership of 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.” Expectedly, Tambuwal’s announcement elicited applauses from APC lawmakers, as shouts of “APC! APC!! APC!!!” rent the air. Jubilant APC members moved straight from the chamber to a meeting room where they addressed newsmen on the development. PDP members, on the floor of the House, were visibly rattled by the announcement. Their stone faces eminently showed that. But some of them, especially the principal officers, still walked up to Tambuwal to exchange banters. Surprisingly, unlike APC lawmakers, who immediately went into a meeting, PDP members dispersed to their offices.
Battles ahead:
Although PDP members did not greet Tambuwal’s announcement with brickbats, they did not foreclose engaging him in a battle. The Majority Leader, Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande, hinted at it when she said that they were waiting for a directive from the party’s leadership. She said: “This is a party affair. Members take decision on the floor based on party. So, the party will take decision at the appropriate time.”
If her comments did not eloquently drive home the plans of the party members, her deputy’s statement was detailed and elucidating. Hon. Leo Ogor said, though the Speaker had a right to switch to any party of his choice, in line with the political trend in his state, PDP lawmakers would strategise on the next step to take. According to him: “That decision was a personal decision and has no major implication on our political party. The PDP members of the House will look at the situation and take a position in respect of the defection.”
“He is gone, fine. And he emphasised that his decision borders on his local politics, that it borders on the interest of his people and his constituency. But, all said and done, he came thorough a political party, which was PDP. So, by the provision of section 68G of the constitution, which is still before a court of jurisdiction, I think this is one great opportunity for us to call on the Judiciary. They are also an arm of government. Justice delayed is justice denied. And for this subjected matter before them, it behooves on them to make the necessary interpretations, so that we can lay this issue to rest in respect of defection. It is extremely important. But for us as members of the PDP, we believe that we will continue carrying on the responsibilities of our party.
“We will watch further and definitely will see what happens. Let’s look and see how he manages the House. We will watch him with eagle eyes and interpret every action that he takes.
“Because he has gone does not mean that the PDP does not control the House. He sits down there as the presiding officer; we run the affairs of the House and as people who control the House, we must go the extra mile to protect the interest of our party.”
The leadership of the party has asked the Speaker to quit his position since he is in a party that is in the minority in the House. Although Tambuwal’s party has dismissed the call, PDP is unlikely to allow the matter slip into oblivion. It will not be surprising if some members of the party decide to root for the speaker’s ouster when the House reconvenes on December 3. PDP lawmakers are still boasting with their majority in the chamber.
Though PDP and APC bandy different figures, it is believed that the latter has, at least, 195 members, as against the former’s 160 members. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has about three members while Accord Party has two. With this, Tambuwal’s men are confident that any impeachment move against him will fail because a total of 240 members is needed to effect such removal. Obviously, it will be difficult for the PDP to garner such number, even with the support of APGA and, perhaps, Accord party, since no APC member is likely to cast a vote in support of Tambuwal’s removal.
Also, the mood in the House shows that some PDP members will support Tambuwal’s continued leadership. To be sure, the Speaker still enjoys the support of several PDP colleagues, who, though may not like his defection, will be unwilling to join forces with elements that are asking for the Speaker’s head.
The Speaker may also be counting on the support of such PDP members, as Leo Ogor and Mohammed Bawa, among others, who have personal relationship with him. Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, is also close to Tambuwal but with his aspiration to be governor in Imo State on PDP’s ticket, he would be in a tight corner.
Leadership takes on call for resignation
If there is anything that should make Tambuwal happy, it is the fact that he is still firmly in control of the chamber. This is evident in the response that has emanated from the committee on Media and Public Affairs.
Deputy Chairman of the House, Hon. Victor Ogene, in a statement on behalf of the House, entitled: “You Can’t Regulate Our Procedure From Outside’, said: “Barely 24 hours after Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced a switch of party allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), several individuals, party chieftains and groups have gone on a frenzy, dishing out varied interpretations to the decision.”
“In the main, many of these commentators, rather than correctly stating what the true position of the law and the House rules are, take delight in advertising ignorance of both, with some even advocating a recourse to anarchy, as a way of achieving what they imagine ought to be the ‘solution’ to the issue.
“Following several inquiries by especially journalists and some members of the public, it is easy to narrow the concerns to two key issues. One, whether Speaker Tambuwal ought to vacate his seat as Representative of Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Sokoto State, by virtue of section 68 (1) (g) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended; and two, if he shouldn’t step down as Speaker, having defected from the majority party in the House to a minority platform.
“On the first issue, it is common knowledge that following the defection of 37 members of the House in December 2013, from the PDP to APC, there has been multiple court cases on the matter, thus rendering it subjudice to discuss any likely outcome. Everyone is thus enjoined to await final judicial pronouncement on the issue of defection, which has afflicted virtually all political parties in the land.
“Concerning calls for Mr. Speaker to step down from the position, to which his colleagues freely elected him on June 6, 2011, we wish to reaffirm – even with the pains of almost sounding monotonous – that the Speakership of the House of Representatives or, indeed, any other national elective position, belongs to the generality of Nigerians and not the political platforms upon which such leaders emerge.
“While the case of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who, as a sitting vice president, moved to another political party – and did not get judicial reprobation for the act – is still fresh in our memories, the clear provisions of Section 50(1) (b) of the Nigerian Constitution easily settles the worries, regarding the continued Speakership of Rt. Hon. Tambuwal. ‘There shall be a Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by members of that House from among themselves,’ the above quoted portion of the constitution stipulates. It would, therefore, amount to an affront on members’ privilege to question their constitutionally guaranteed right to freely elect their leader.
“Additionally, Order 1, Rule 1 (2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives states: ‘In all cases not provided for hereinafter, or by Sectional or other Orders, precedents or practices of the House, the House shall by resolution regulate its procedure. “It is in the light of the foregoing that the House wishes to appeal to those who seek to “regulate its procedure” from outside its hallowed chambers to have a rethink, as the nation’s Constitution, the Standing Orders of the House and precedent – as in the Speakership of the late Rt. Hon. Edwin Ume-Ezeoke in the Second Republic on a minority platform – have all provided answers to what would have otherwise been a knotty political issue.” Some people are likely to fault the use of Ume-Ezeoke experience to justify the current situation. This is because Ume-Ezeoke became leader of the House, despite coming from the minority Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) by virtue of the alliance his party entered into with the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN). This is so because when the accord was broken, NPP did not head the House. It’s obvious that between now and December 3 when the House will reconvene, meetings will be held and plot perfected. However, what will be the outcome of all these is a matter of conjecture. The future will tell who will laugh last in the current political muscle flexing between Tambuwal and the PDP.
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