North-Central Governors demanded inclusion, did not reject zoning – Wase

Idris Wase, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has spoken out in response to reports that North Central governors rejected the All-Progressives Congress zoning arrangement for the 10th leadership seats. The reports went viral yesterday.

In an interview with journalists in Abuja, Wase, who also serves as the Chairman of the North-Central Caucus of the National Assembly, said that the governors present at the meeting only spoke forcefully for the North-Central in the distribution of the leadership positions in the National Assembly.

The governors, in addition to local party leaders, cannot take a confrontational stance against the party’s policy, he continued.

Before the resolution was released to the media, Wase attested to the fact that all the governors and federal lawmakers present had approved its text.

He outlined how the suggested zoning structure was discussed during the governors’ meeting on Monday and made a commitment to get in touch with Bola Tinubu, and the APC National Working Committee.

According to him, the primary goal of the planned meeting with Tinubu and the APC NWC was to request a review of the zoning of the National Assembly’s presiding offices.

The meeting, he continued, covered zoning and raised concerns about assigning the roles of the 10th National Assembly’s Speaker of the House of Representatives and Deputy Senate President to geopolitical regions of the nation.

Wase also highlighted that the matter with NASS leadership had been settled at the meeting and that it had been agreed to fully utilize all required communication and consultation.

“The governors did not say they rejected the entire zoning arrangements. They agreed to reach out to all major stakeholders for an amicable and acceptable zoning framework that will be all-inclusive.

“The governors canvassed support for the North Central aspirants and appealed to all senators and members-elect to continue to give Mr President-elect all the support needed for the smooth take-up of the 10th National Assembly, while also furthering consultations.”