340 Reps stand with Dogara- Nkem-Abonta
Thu Aug 11, 2016 07:16:pm Politics
1.9K By Buchi Obichie
Any hopes of impeaching the Speaker of the House of Reps., Yakubu Dogara, over accusations of alleged padding of the 2016 budget seem quite impossible now, as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, on Wednesday disclosed that more than 340 of the members of the House are in support of the Speaker.
Abonta recalled that in light of what happened to a previous Speaker, Patricia Etteh, who was removed over allegations of graft, only to be cleared of any wrongdoing years later, people should be wary when such calls for impeachment are made.
He said Speaker Dogara could not please all 360 members of the House of Reps., as he was only human.
The Abia State lawmaker made his comments while responding to questions from journalists in Abuja.
Abonta said he had not seen any register which about 260 members reportedly signed to pass a vote of confidence on the speaker.
He, however, noted that "I am sure that less than 10 members are the ones against him, meaning that 90% or more stand with Dogara".
He argued that going by feelers from members that could be confirmed, the 8th House under Speaker Dogara, had largely been peaceful and highly productive after the initial skirmishes that followed the election of presiding officers.
"Looking at the output of the 8th House, you can understand that majority of members enjoyed, and are still enjoying the leadership style of Dogara, notwithstanding our differences at take-off.
"Until the so called padding, Dogara had no issue in the House. I'm from Abia State, I have not seen the register, but I can say authoritatively that no member from Abia will sign against him (Dogara), we all love Dogara. It is true he is human, he may have his shortcomings, but we all love him.
"Dogara has maintained a cool, level-head leadership, so no need for change of leadership. He cannot please 360 people, and nobody is perfect. Those who are aggrieved should use in-house mechanism to address issues. He cannot place everybody where they want to be."
Abonta recalled that in light of what happened to a previous Speaker, Patricia Etteh, who was removed over allegations of graft, only to be cleared of any wrongdoing years later, people should be wary when such calls for impeachment are made.
He said Speaker Dogara could not please all 360 members of the House of Reps., as he was only human.
The Abia State lawmaker made his comments while responding to questions from journalists in Abuja.
Abonta said he had not seen any register which about 260 members reportedly signed to pass a vote of confidence on the speaker.
He, however, noted that "I am sure that less than 10 members are the ones against him, meaning that 90% or more stand with Dogara".
He argued that going by feelers from members that could be confirmed, the 8th House under Speaker Dogara, had largely been peaceful and highly productive after the initial skirmishes that followed the election of presiding officers.
"Looking at the output of the 8th House, you can understand that majority of members enjoyed, and are still enjoying the leadership style of Dogara, notwithstanding our differences at take-off.
"Until the so called padding, Dogara had no issue in the House. I'm from Abia State, I have not seen the register, but I can say authoritatively that no member from Abia will sign against him (Dogara), we all love Dogara. It is true he is human, he may have his shortcomings, but we all love him.
"Dogara has maintained a cool, level-head leadership, so no need for change of leadership. He cannot please 360 people, and nobody is perfect. Those who are aggrieved should use in-house mechanism to address issues. He cannot place everybody where they want to be."
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