Give Us Reps Deputy Speaker, Ondo Youths tell APC, Tinubu

Youths in Ondo state have called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to zone the position of the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives to the state, ahead of the forthcoming elections of the National Assembly Leadership.

The Youths, who gathered under the auspices of the Ondo state youth coalition for good governance, Justice, Equity & Fairness in Akure on Monday, said no principal officer of the green chamber has come from the sunshine state since inception of the fourth republic, despite having many competent hands.

They equally noted, in a statement issued to journalists by their coordinator, Mr. Bodurin Ajisafe, that the state gave one of the highest percentage vote to the ruling APC in the last Presidential election, and has at least four ranking member-elects of the house of Representatives, for the 10th Assembly.

Below is the statement unedited:

ONDO STATE YOUTHS COALITION FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE, JUSTICE, EQUITY & FAIRNESS MAKE CASE FOR House of Representatives DEPUTY SPEAKER’S POSITION FOR ONDO STATE.

The Ondo state youth coalition for good governance, Justice, equity, and fairness has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress and the President-Elect, Asiwaju Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to zone the position of the deputy speaker to the South west and Ondo State in particular.

This was the outcome of the group’s stakeholders meeting held in Akure, Ondo State capital on Wednesday 15th March, 2023.

The Coalition Considered the various contributions of the state to the advancement of the South-West region of the country Appeals that Ondo State deserved to be given priority and top consideration for the Deputy Speaker OF the house of representatives slot if eventually zoned to the South-West.

Ascertaining the reason why ondo state should be considered, the Coalition referenced the enormous contributions of the state through Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, as the coordinator and a staunch campaigner for Southern Presidency and also the Chairman of South-West Governor’s forum. There is no doubt the, Our state have performed creditably well in Advancing the cause OF good governance.

The significant role of Governor Akeredolu in fighting insecurity and combating crime, with vigorous and gallant step in the formation of the South-West Security Network, code named “Amotekun” should not be left un-noticed.

Recall that Ondo state produced the highest percentage of vote (67%) for the President- Elect in the February 25th 2023 general electionS hence the call for this zoning.

Furthermore, since the inception of democracy in Nigeria, Ondo State has never produced a top ranked principal officer in the green chamber, equity and fairness demand that,the state be given due consideration.

In addition, Ondo state clinched 8 of the 9 House of Representatives seats in the general election with four of them as ranking members; Rep Peter Abiola Makinde, Rep olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Rep Timehin Adelegbe and Rep Derin Adesida. These ranking members have competence, capacity and character and wherewithal to be the Deputy Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.

Going by the political history and equation, from 1999 till date, Ogun state, Oyo state, Osun state and Lagos state has produced principal officers in the House of Representatives. It should be noted that only Ondo state from South West has not been considered for this position.

Based on the above,Ondo state should be considered in the zoning arrangements for the position of the deputy speaker position when eventually zoned to the South-West.

The Coalition urge the Leadership of the All Progressives Congress and the President-Elect Asiwaju Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider this request for the development of Ondo State, the Southwest region and Nigeria at large.

Bodurin Ajisafe
Coordinator,
Ondo Youth Coalition For Good Governance, Justice, Equity, & Fairness Akure.
20-04-2023