Members of the House of Representatives from Plateau State have passed a vote of confidence on the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, over the recent criticisms triggered by his decision to block a petition from Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The caucus, which described Mr Wase as an experienced lawmaker, said the public misunderstood his action, stressing that the Deputy Speaker’s criticisms have ethnic and political colouration.
Mr Wase, who presided over the plenary of March 10, 2021, had prevented the lawmaker representing Gwer-East/Gwer-West Federal Constituency in Benue State, Mr Mark Gbillah, from laying a petition filed by the Mutual Union of Tiv in America.
The Deputy Speaker had later in a statement said his action was based on the conditions set by the Standing Orders of the House.
Releasing a statement on Monday, the Leader of the Plateau Caucus, Beni Lar, titled ‘Plateau Reps Caucus Pass Vote of Confidence on Deputy Speaker’, the lawmakers expressed their solidarity with him.
The statement read, “We, the entire members of the Plateau State caucus in the House of Representatives, reiterate our full confidence in the leadership of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Ahmed Idris Wase.
“Our resolve has become imperative following an unfortunate incident between the Deputy Speaker and another colleague during plenary which has since gone viral on social media. The incident has since been given an ethnic and political coloration which ought to be a purely parliamentary affair.
“Let it be noted that the Rt. Hon Idris Wase is a seasoned legislator who has over the years represented the people of Wase, Plateau, the North-Central and the entire nation effectively. During this period, he has enjoyed the tremendous respect of his colleagues and his people. He has sponsored many bills and motions that have been key to the development of our nation and enhanced governance.
“As a presiding officer, he is known to have listening ears and accommodating of all views. We in Plateau State and the North-Central have witnessed the infrastructural and human development attributed to the Deputy Speaker, such as roads, medical facilities, rural electrification, exploration of mineral resources, employment opportunities and countless gestures attributed to his diligence and passion for the entire North-Central that he represents and the nation at large.”
The lawmakers added that as a colleague, Wase is passionate about the growth of their constituencies.
“We as a caucus, therefore, implore the public not to misunderstand the intentions of the Deputy Speaker who is known to act in accordance with laid down procedures,” the caucus stressed.
