The presiding officers for the Senate and the House of Representatives are expected to be chosen today through a consensus decision.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that all indications point towards Senator Godswill Akpabio being selected as the Senate President, with Senator Barau Jibrin as the Deputy Senate President. Meanwhile, Tajudeen Abbas is likely to assume the position of House Speaker, accompanied by Benjamin Kalu as the Deputy Speaker.
This development follows a lot of activities and negotiations over the past 48 hours, spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Some prominent contenders, including Orji Uzor Kalu and Ozita Izunaso, have reportedly withdrawn from the race for Senate President.
Senator Ahmad Lawan also extended his endorsement to Akpabio for the position of Senate President yesterday.
On Sunday, Yusuf Gagdi and Aliyu Betara withdrew their bid for Speaker, effectively clearing the path for Abbas and Kalu.
The four candidates in contention are favored by the majority All Progressives Congress (APC) and enjoy the support of the President.
Yesterday, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), hinted at the possibility of consensus candidates emerging.
The 10th National Assembly (NASS) inauguration is scheduled to take place today at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, as per a communique issued a few days ago.
According to the communique, “Following the Proclamation by the President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Assembly wishes to inform all Distinguished Senators-Elect and Honourable House of Representatives Members-Elect that the Inauguration of the 10th National Assembly is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 13 June at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, starting at 10:00 am sharp.”
