Since the speaker of the House of
Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal whose
middle name simply means the’ Guardian of the
Fate’ emerged the first among equals in the 7th
Assembly on June 6, 2011, he had a game plan
as to how to checkmate the onslaught of his
party, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
His game plan finally came to bear last Tuesday
when he red carded the party on whose back he
clinched the speaker-ship of the House.
His reasoning was simple, since he was not the
anointed candidate of his party and he knew the
antics of PDP, he carefully waited for the dying
days of the 7th Assembly to drop his
masterstroke via his decampment to the
opposition party, the All Progressives Congress,
APC.
In the first place, it was the APC that ensured he
won. Hon Mulikat Akande-Adeola, the PDP
preferred candidate for the office of the Speaker
failed on June 6, 2011 House of Representatives
election. APC lawmakers ensured his victory with
the support of some PDP legislators.
There and then, Tambuwal knew where he should
pledge his allegiance and this he covertly and
overtly applied until last Tuesday.
He kept his friends and political acolytes on their
toes as to where his allegiance lay all these
while. He knew from day one that if he faltered
the fire works of the PDP would be too explosive
for him to handle.
He knew what happened to his predecessors that
dared PDP. They went into political oblivion and
remained politically irrelevant. And he
accommodated genuine fears that he would face
the same music if he remained in PDP. Re-
election was almost uncertain and his political
future remained bleak with PDP. He decided to
join APC on whose platform he could run for the
office of governor of Sokoto State or run for re-
election back to the House.
Tambuwal, on his own, became his own
pathfinder which endeared him to the hearts of
his fellow lawmakers who at a time saw him as
one rare gem that has come to right the wrongs
of the past.
His leadership style was embedded in the
doctrine of humility which was one rare ingredient
that his predecessors could not exhibit as
speakers.
He came on board with a populist 7 point -Agenda
designed primarily to keep the House 100percent
independent from all forms of incursions from the
executive arm of government.
To a large extent this was achieved in the first
two years of his administration as lawmakers
spoke in one voice until 2013 when the New PDP
emerged following the break up of the Governors
Forum.
This singular development that almost tore PDP
into shreds affected the comradeship among
members who, hitherto, enjoyed peace and
oneness since inception.
The House he had toiled to construct day and
night now became divided.
Tambuwal, at this stage, employed many
intrigues but the damage had been done. He had
to prepare himself for the last card on his table
which is his movement from PDP to APC.
His major challenges:
Tambuwal could not execute his pet project
which was the 7-point Legislative Agenda to the
letter. He recorded at least 70 percent success.
He had wanted to make Nigeria’s Green Chamber
the first African e- Parliament compliant. Though
work on this is at an advanced stage, this dream
may not be accomplished before he leaves.
Secondly, his fervent desire to carry along his
359 colleagues despite paucity of funds was a
major setback to him.
It is on record that Tambuwal knows every
member by their first name and the
constituencies they represent. A very rare gift.
Thirdly, his penchant for good legislation to make
Nigeria a better place for all is never in doubt.
Implication of his defection
The House has less than two months to execute
serious legislative business as the month of
December is always work free. The lawmakers
may seat for only six days.
January 2015, lawmakers would be in the battle
field trying to see how they can return to the
House.
February is the month of election so there will be
no legislative business.
By March the results of the election must have
had their toll and casualties of the election would
have been known.
April, there will be little legislative action on the
floor of the House.
By May the politics of who emerges the new
speaker peaks.
By June 5, the 7th Assembly will be rested and
the 8th Assembly emerges.
The effect of his defection may lead the House
into a war zone. But one thing is certain, the PDP
needs at least a dozen cranes and a 100
buldozers to buldoze Tambuwal out of office.
As it is now, the PDP has 195 active lawmakers
while the APC has 159 leaving the remaining 6
that could pitch their tents where it suits them.
PDP does not have the 2/3 majority to unseat
Tambuwal which is a mandatory constitutional
provision. PDP needs 240 lawmakers to shove
Tambuwal aside.
Tambuwal’s trump card
After the PDP primaries, the lawmakers who failed
to win will solidly stand by Tambuwal making the
House an entirely APC House.
This development could make the 2015 Budget
suffer an unprecedented setback, causing more
problems for the PDP led government.
Tambuwal has an unequaled track record of being
the only lawmaker that has gone to the House for
three terms and was appointed a principal officer.
In 2003-2007 he was deputy minority under
ANPP. 2007-2011 he was deputy majority whip.
In 2011 he emerged speaker.
This his experience will come to bear and may
further rubbish whatever impeachment plan in the
offing for him.
Tail or head Tambuwal is on both sides of the
coin. He may complete his tenure as speaker.
Source vanguard
No comments: