A Professor of Law and Political Science, Mojeed Alabi, has formally declared his interest to contest for the post of Speaker of the incoming House of Representatives.

Alabi who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ede North/ Ede South/ Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency made the declaration on Thursday in an expression of interest letter released in Abuja at the ongoing induction program for incoming members of the 8th National Assembly.

In it, the university don with vast practical and theoretical experience in lawmaking and parliamentary practice said: “The 8th House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is like no other. Majority of the members are newly elected into the Green Chambers of the National Assembly, with the democratic dictate of having its way in the choice of the Speaker.”

He added that “While the Standing Orders of the House requires “legislative experience” in the National Assembly {Order II Rule 4(a)}, the Constitution permits the Members to elect the Speaker “from among themselves" {s 50(1)(b)}.”

The PhD holder in Political Science from University of Ibadan and PhD from University of Leicester added that” Honourable Members can, as a matter of necessity, avoid a possible collision between the majority ‘first timers’ and the returnees by electing a Speaker that not only meets the requirements of cognate legislative experience enshrined in the Rules but also capable of enjoying the confidence of his/her peers. Stability of the House requires nothing less.”

The former Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly stressed: “In the light of this, I hereby present myself to all the elected and re-elected members of the HRs, for an opportunity to serve you as Speaker, taking into cognizance my antecedents.”

•Photo shows Alabi

Update news