TheCable

A group known as Movement for Democratic Consolidation (MDC) has asked the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the position of the deputy speaker in the 10th national assembly to the south-west.

The group also asked the ruling party to nominate Olaide Akinremi, a lawmaker representing Ibadan north federal constituency in Oyo, as deputy speaker.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Olaleye Olusegun, MDC national coordinator, and Otunba Oladokun, south-west coordinator, the group said Akinremi has the “track record and competency” to deputise whoever would be elected as the speaker.

”The best man that could co-pilot the affairs of the house of representatives to a new and glorious beginning is Akinremi,” the statement reads.

“He is a loyal, tested and responsible party man and has the credentials to energise APC in the parliament which will be free from rancour with the executive arm of government and take as priority legislation that will move the nation towards a path of development.

“Although the position has not been zoned to a particular region of the country, it is only right and fair that the south-west produces the deputy speaker.“

The group said the lawmaker’s campaign for the APC across all the LGAs in Oyo contributed to its victory in the state.

“Akinremi made sure he touched all the 33 local government areas in Oyo state during the last presidential and national assembly elections, canvassing support for Asiwaju Tinubu and Shettima not minding the risk of leaving his own base to do such,” the group said.

“We assure all that Akinremi will continue to do that which will be acceptable to our party members and the electorates. In these years of unbroken democratic governance, south-west will be delighted to have the deputy speakership of the house of representatives again.”