Bankole, new speaker, promises prudence

He is only 38 years old.

Dimeji Bankole was yesterday elected the fifth speaker of the fourt republic.

The new speaker, who has the backing of Umar Farouk Lawan-led Integrity Group and other opposition members, began with a promise to institute prudence in public procurement and make the chamber the house of Nigerian people.

"I promise to introduce accountability and probity in public procurement as well as restore order and credibility in the House whose image has been smeared before public eye in the past five months."

Dimeji (37) emerged the successor to Patricia Etteh, scoring 304 votes to defeat George Oyewole Jolaoye (Peoples Democratic Party-favoured candidate), who scored 20 votes from the total poll of 328, while four abstained.

Usman Bayero Nafada from Gombe emerged the deputy speaker unchallenged. Elections to replace the sacked leaders will be held later.

In his acceptance speech, Bankole promised his administration would be zero-tolerant to corruption as guide to the House operation in accordance with the President Umaru Yar’Adua administration.

The election conducted by the clerk of the House, Nasir Arab, saw Dimeji emerging as the candidate of choice by majority of the members which was in tandem with the independence and flexibility which members crave.

Dimeji, an economist, graduated from Reading University, England with Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Oxford University, London between 1991 and 1992 with MTQ Strategic studies. He is also a graduate of Harvard University, US with Masters, Public Finance Management.

The new speaker before yesterday was chairman, house committee on finance, defence, international affairs, marine and transport.

Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (AC) from Lagos mainland federal constituency says it is the first time the House has exercised his independence in selecting a member who is tested and trusted to handle the affairs of the legislators to the satisfaction of all.

He says the speaker emerged from independent selection of House members and not from the dictates of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) as before, adding that this development will move the House to reconcile and move forward for vibrant activities.

Jacob Alebiosu, chairman, EFCC sub-committee, says the House this time would move faster than expected and acknowledged the slow activities which crippled the chamber in the past five months.

He says Dimeji would put all the ills behind since the chamber had selected its own without any outside influence.

Terngu Tsegba, speaker protempore, says the House has put everything behind it and will continue on a faster pace. "We stand upon the threshold of history."

He praised Nigerians for their patience and promised that the new House would introduce laws that would advance people’s welfare.

Specifically, he hinted on water supply improvement on which he had introduced a bill titled: "Water reform bill."

Prior to yesterday’s election, members had resolved at the PDP secretariat that they would obey the zoning system introduced by the party but insisted that any member found credible would be voted for no matter where he emerged from, thus dampening external interference.