Reps-elect defy APC, vote Dogara as Speaker

There was another major upset in the elections to the positions of those who will lead the 8th assembly, as Yakubu Dogara was elected as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The ruling APC had directed its members in the House to vote for Femi Gbajabiamila, based on a mock primary election that was held in last week.

Dogara scored votes 182 votes to beat Gbajabiamila who got 172.

Dogara was nominated by Abdulmunini jubril, from Kano State, and seconded by Dike Okafor.

Mohammed Sani Abdu, from Bauchi State nominated Gbajabiamiala from Lagos State amid a rowdy session by other members. While some urged him on, others attempted to shout him down.

After swearing-in of all House members present, the election for Dogara’s deputy began.

In the second election, Hon. Suleiman Yusuf Lasun was elected deputy speaker of the House. He scored 203 votes to defeat Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno who got 153 votes.

An earlier meeting to resolve the crisis that has trailed the election between President Muhammadu Buhari and the lawmakers-elect failed to hold, as a number of the legislators did not show up on time, prompting the president to abandon the meeting.

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