NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DEBATES
FOURTH ASSEMBLY
FIRST SESSION 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OFFICIAL REPORT
IN THE FIRST SESSION OF THE 
FOURTH ASSEMBLY OF THE 
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 
WHICH OPENED THIRD JUNE, 1999 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 

Thursday, 3rd June, 1999

The House met at 2.50 p.m. pursuant to a 
proclamation of the 1st of June, 1999, by His 
Excellency, the President and Command-in-Chief of 
the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 
as followeth:

Clerk to the National Assembly: Honourable Members-elect, may I first of all apologize for keeping you waiting for so long. We were conducting the Elections of the President of the Senate and his Deputy as required by the Constitution and that took us some time. Kindly bear with us.
On behalf of myself, Alhaji Ibrahim Salim, Clerk to the National Assembly, and on behalf of the entire staff of the National Assembly, I want to congratulate you on your elections. We all wish you very successful, rewarding and fruitful tenure of Membership. We wish you well. (Applause)
If you will recall, on 1st June, 1999, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Olusegun Obasanjo, signed the proclamation convening the meeting of the National Assembly slated for today. I will proceed to read the proclamation issued by the President in accordance with the Legislative tradition.

A PROCLAMATION

(Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999).

By His Excellency
OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

WHEREAS it is provided in subsection 3 of section 64 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, that the person elected as President shall have power to issue a proclamation for the holding of the First Session of the National Assembly immediately after his being sworn in.
NOW THEREFORE, I, OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers bestowed upon me by subsection 3 of section 64 aforesaid, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, hereby proclaim that the First Session of the National Assembly shall hold at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 3rd June, 1999 in the National Assembly, Abuja.
GIVEN under my hand and the public Seal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at Abuja, this 1st day of June, One thousand nine hundred and ninety nine. 

Several Members-elect took their seats

ROLL CALL

Clerk to the National Assembly: I will request the Clerk of the House of Representatives to read out the names. Hon. Members, as he calls your names, please stand up to be identified.

Thank you very much.              

ELECTION OF THE SPEAKER

Clerk to the National Assembly: Honourable Members-elect of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we have just established the presence of members-elect to be constituted into the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We have accordingly reached the high point of the items on the Order Paper for today which is the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
I now call for nominations.

Dr. Okey Ude (Orumba North/South): The Clerk to the National Assembly, fellow Members-elect, I beg to nominate the Member-elect for Nassarawa Constituency of Kano State, (Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari) to take the Chair of this House as Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Oladipo Olaitan (Alimosho): I beg to second. 

Alhaji Mohammed Sani (Gusau/Tsafe): I rise to nominate the Member for Shanga/Ngaski/Yauri (Alhaji Zailani Mohammed) as Speaker of this House. Clerk to the National Assembly: Is there any seconder? (No response) (Nomination Lapsed)

Barrister Isiaq Adekola Aliyu (Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo): The Clerk to the National Assembly, distinguished Members-elect, I hereby nominate the Member-elect for Katsina, (Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yar'Adua) as Speaker of this honourable House.

Alhaji Aliyu Sahabi (Gummi/Bukkuyum): I beg to second the nomination.

Clerk to the National Assembly: The Nominator of Member-elect for Nassarawa, (Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari) should please stand up and justify his proposal.

Dr. Okey Ude: Clerk to the National Assembly, fellow Members-elect, I stand up to testify to the motion on the nomination of Member-elect for Nassarawa (Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari) (Applause) He was born thirty six years ago. He attended the prestigious King College in Lagos. From there he proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he bagged a Diploma in Accountancy. He attended the University of Toronto, Canada, were he got a B.Sc. Degree in Business Administration. Thereafter, he has had so many years of experience in successful private business. He is a detribalized, very humble and widely travelled Nigerian. Alhaji Buhari is a stern believer in the cause of one Nigeria and also in the betterment of the lives of its citizens. He is happily married and blessed with three children.
Honourable Members, I have the honour and privilege to nominate Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim Buhari as the Speaker of this honourable House. (Applause)

Mr. Oladipo Olaitan: I do not want to waste the time of this honourable house, everybody knows him and they should vote for him.
Thank you. (Applause)

Clerk to the National Assembly: The nominator of Alhaji Abubakar Yar'Adua should please stand up and justify the nomination.

Barrister Isiaq Adekola Aliyu: Clerk to the National Assembly, Members-elect of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby attest to the sterling qualities of Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yar'adua for the coveted seat of the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the following grounds.
Alhaji Sadiq Yar'adua was born thirty-nine years ago. He got admitted into the School of General Studies, Bayero University, Kano were lee graduated. Before he finished his course, he was absorbed into the university to a Bachelor of Arts honorary degree programme in Mass Communication which he successfully completed with a second class upper division which was the best result for that year. (Applause)
Alhaji Sadiq has a high taste for education. He obtained in 1994 a Masters degree in Business Administration from the Bayero University, Kano. Shortly after, he applied for admission into the Master of Political Science programme of the University of Lagos which he successfully completed. He obtained the best result as a result of his outstanding performance, the best in his class, that is the MBA programme at the instance of Professor Dunmoye now of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He applied for and got admitted into the Phd. Political Science Programme of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is currently working on his doctoral thesis in Political Economy.
Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yar'adua is a literary man. He has written quite a number of poems and newspapers articles and has to his credit the following literary and scholarly publications. He is the author of the following books:

I. The Jungle Expert (a biography of Col. Yohana Madaki).
2. The Nigerian News Media and Religious Disturbances.

When the nation was going through a turbulent period he wrote these classic articles.

1. A Case Study of the 1980 Maitatsine Riot in Kano;
2. Corporate Re-invention in Nigerian Public Corporations.
(That is a research with literary works done by him).

Alhaji Sadiq Abubakar Yar'adua has acquired a lot of experience in terms of offices which he has held prior to his election into this August House. His working experience and rise has been phenomenally eventful as well as progressively quick. He was a student activist in his university days. He was also a unionist, having served as the first Secretary of the Katsina State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
Honourable Gentlemen of the House, I hereby commit the young, amiable, hard-working and industrious Member-elect for your consideration as the Speaker of this August Assembly. (Applause)

Clerk to the National Assembly: Does the Seconder of that nomination have anything to add? 

Mr. Aliyu Sahabi (Gummi/Bukkuyum): The Clerk to the National Assembly, Honourable Member select of the House of Representatives, I do not have anything to add to what the nominator had said. I will only call on my colleagues to vote for the most qualified member so that we can have a very vibrant leadership in the House of Representatives in this dispensation.
Thank you very much. (Applause)

Clerk to the National Assembly: Having been duly nominated and seconded, I wish to in the first place call on the Member for Nassarawa, (Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari) to submit himself to the House of Representatives.

Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari (Kano): I accept my nomination. Thank you. (Applause)

Clerk to the National Assembly: I would like to also call on the Member for Katsina, (Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yar'Adua) to submit himself to the service of the House of Representatives.

Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yar'Adua (Katsina): The Clerk to the National Assembly, my Colleagues, Honourable Members-elect of the House of Representatives, we must try to justify the confidence and mandate given to us by the people of Nigeria. They are watching us live. We must make sure that we give them what they deserve and that this honourable House deserves. So, the Clerk to the National Assembly, I accept my nomination. (Applause)

Clerk to the National Assembly: Having been nominated and seconded, and the two members-elect having accepted their nominations, the House will now divide in two ways. The first way is that the supporters of the first candidate will move to one side while the supporters of the other candidate will move to the other side. The other option is for the Tellers, that is, the proposer and the seconder of both candidates to come down here and meet the Clerk at Table while the Deputy Clerk will administer the Roll Call. As he calls your names, you will indicate which candidate you are voting for. Your Tellers will be here to record along with the Clerks. Thereafter, they will compare and confirm the result. The results will be passed to me and I will announce.
Which one do you choose?

Several Members: We want the second option. 

Tellers for Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari

Dr. Okey Ede
Mr. Oladipo Olaitan

Tellers for Abubakar Sadiq Yar'Adua 

Barrister Isiaq Adekole Aliyu
Mr. Allyn Sahabi

As the voting progressed, Alhaji Abubakar Yar 'Adua proceeded to discuss with the Clerk to the National Assembly after which he went to embrace Alhaji Ibrahim Buhari and withdrew from the race.

Hon. Members-elect who voted for Alhaji Ibrahim Buhari
Abayomi, Mr. Maiyegun 
Abayomi, Mr. Sheba 
Abdu, Mr. Aminu 
Abdulkareem, Alhaji Salihu 
Abdullahi, Alhaji Bala 
Abdullahi, Alhaji Ibrahim 
Abiodun, Mr. Ojo Samuel 
Abubakar, Alhaji Isa Sani 
Abubakar, Alhaji Makwaghi 
Adamu, Alhaji Bashiru 
Adamu, Alhaji Bashiru 
Adamu, Alhaji Musa Usuku 
Adebola, Alhaji Ali Lateef 
Adedeji, Alhaji Suraj Amusa 
Adeh, Mr. Lumumba Dan 
Ademola, Mr. Adeniyi 
Aderemi, Mr. Ajayi 
Adegbile, Adedeji K. 
Adeyemi, Mr. J. F.
Adebi, Mr. T. Segun 
Adokiye, Mr. Young-Harry 
Agbor, Mr. Patrick O. 
Agidani, Mr. Solomon 
Aguebor, Mr. Sunday 
Ahmed, Alhaji Aliyu Yako 
Ahmed, Alhaji Maiwada 
Ahmed, Alhaji Yinusa Yahaya 
Akpan, Mr. Eno Sampson 
Ahmed, Alhaji Umaru 
Akubor, Mr. Ghande N. 
Aladejebi, Mr. F.
Alegbe, Mr. Benson 
Al-Gadas, Alhaji Al-Mashi 
Aliyu, Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa 
Aliyu, Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa 
Aliyu Alhaji Musa
Allyu, Alhaji Sani Abubakar
Aliyu Alhaji Umar S. 
Alkali, Alhaji Mustapha 
Aminu Alhaji Y. 
Anayo, Mr. Edeh 
Andie, Mr. Clement 
Animashaun, Mr. Oladotun 
Anka, Mr. Sani Mohammed 
Anyanwu Mr. Tony 
Arewa, Mr. Mohammed S. 
Asake, Mr. Jonathan 
Asinobi, Mr. Ake Wilson 
Asuquo, Mr. Inyang E. 
Audu, Mr. Ado Dogo 
Ayogu, Fidea
Azamu, Mr. Samuel 
Aziegbemi, Mr. Anthony 
Baba, Alhaji Mahmoud 
Babangida, Alhaji Jibrin Y. 
Babale, Alhaji Jibrin 
Babale, Mr. Martin 
Babangida, Alhaji Umaru 
Babatakwa, Alhaji Yussuf Usman 
Babatunde, Mr. Oduyoye
Bala, Mr. Ali
Bala, Alhaji Bashiru 
Balima, Mr. Yusuf Adetona 
Balogun, Mr. Ali
Barata, Alhaji Ahmed H. 
Barida, Mr. Mikko Bernard 
Batalawa, Alhaji Garba Mohammed 
Bawa, Alhaji Sani
Beckley, Mr. Akinyemi 
Bello, Alhaji Aminu M. 
Binuwai, G. Josiah 
Bio, Ibrahim Issa 
Bojude, Saidu Ahmed 
Bolori, Babagoni 
Buhari, Ibrahim 
Bulama, Marwell 
Burumburum, Bashir Yusuf 
Busari, Dada
Bwari, Bawa A. 
Chiagu, Clifford E. 
Chikelu, Chikeobi Nwakanma 
Chukwuemeka, Nwajiuba 
Collins, A. S.
Chiagu, Cllifford E. 
Dagash, M. S. 
Damiru, Vincent O. 
Mamiru, Vincent O. 
Damuda Mohammed A.
Danmusa Alhanssan 
Dansa, Audu
Degre, Adamu Usman 
Dike, Cajethan 
Dumi, Gabriel
Dung, Sunday Daniel 
Durojaiye, Gbadamosi, L. 
Duru, Chidi Okechukwu 
Edewor, Omolola-Abiola 
Edoni, Mary F.
Efe, Chief Kodha A 
Egu, Greg C. 
Elayo, Musa
Enag, Ita Solomon J. 
Epengule, Mike T. 
Essien, Nduese
Esu, Tony Ibana 
Etobi, B. M. 
Etteh, Patricia O. O. 
Eze, Alexandra Ike 
Eze, Enwereuzor A. 
Eze, Okere Tony 
Ezeani, Thankgod 
Fajuru, C. O. 
Gary, Eneh Tony 
Geidam, Almajiri

Hon. Members-elect who voted for Alhaji Yar'Adua 

Abubakar, Alhaji Bello
Bagudu, Alhaji Bello 
Bassey, Mr. Emma Asuquo 
Budof, Alhaji Dauda Garba 
Chinonyerem, Mr. Macebuh 
Dikko, Alhaji Muktar 
Eno-Eyo, Mr. Akaninyene

Hon. Members-elect who abstained 

Aguriavwodo, Mr. Emmanuel A. 
Bulkachuwa, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed 
Damulak, Alhaji Jaafaru M.
Bello, Alhaji Mohammed 
Temmy Harriman 
Idowu, Dr. A. A. 
Irabor, Mr. Nduka

Clerk to the National Assembly: Accordingly, I Ibrahim Salim, by the Grace of God, the Clerk to the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria hereby, going by the results of the election conducted which apart from seven abstentions, unanimously elected Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari as the Speaker of this honourable House - (Applause)
Accordingly, it is my pleasure to declare Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari as the duly elected Speaker of the House of'Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (Applause)
                                                    The Clerk to the National Assembly called Alhaji 
                                                    Ibrahim Salisu Buhari to take the Chair, and he 
                                                    was taken out of his seat and conducted to the Chair 
                                                   by Dr. Okey Ude and Mr. Oladipo Olaitan.

                                                   Thereupon the Speaker-elect took and subscribed the 
                                                   Oaths required by law.

(Mr. Speaker sat in the chair)

Then the Mace (which before lay under the Table) was placed upon the Table.

ELECTION OF THE DEPUTY SPEAKER 

Clerk to the National Assembly: Honourable Members, we now move to the election of the Deputy Speaker. I call for nominations.

Chief Anthony O. Efe Kodha (Isoko): I stand to nominate the Member for Ahoada East/Abua/Odual (Mr. Chibudom Nwuche) to take the Chair of this House as Deputy Speaker.

Alhaji Adamu Abdu Fanda (Albassur/Gaya): I second the motion calling for the election of Chief Nwuche as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. (Applause)

Dr. Abubakar Garba Shehu (Musawa/Matazu): I stand before you to nominate Prince Ned Nwoko for Deputy Speaker of this honourable House.

Mr. Bello Mohammed (Akko): I second the nomination of Ned Nwoko as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Clerk to the National Assembly: Any further nominations?

Mr. J. P. Moses Owor (Andoni/ Opobo/Nkworro): I hereby nominate the Member for Eleme/Tai/Oyibo (Chief Olaka Nwogu) as Deputy Speaker of this honourable House.

Mr. Bernard Barida Mikko (Khana/Gokana): I second the nomination.
Clerk to the National Assembly: If there are no further nominations, then we will go to the election. The proposers and seconders should come down as Tellers, then we will call the names and mark them like we did in the other case.

Chief Anthony O. Efe Kodha (Isoko): I rise to nominate Prince Chibudom N. Nwuche, J. P. For the exalted position of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Prince Chibudom Nwuche, J. P. was born in Enugu on September 30, 1961 to Chief Eze C. C. Nwuche, a respected and influential traditional ruler in Rivers State. After his early education, Prince Nwuche Proceeded to the United Kingdom for further studies. He obtained a B. A. (Hons) degree in Politics and Philosophy from the University of Keele, Staffordshire. His burning desire for academic excellence prompted him again to obtain an LL.B (Hons.) Degree from the University of Wales in Aberystwyth. He crowned his academic endeavours with an LL.M from the King's College, University of London, specialising in International Trade Law, Shipping and Maritime Law, International Finance and Intellectual Property. He then returned to Nigeria and enrolled at the Nigerian Law School and was subsequently called to the Bar in 1988.
Barrister Nwuche started his working career as a counsel in Ajumogobia, Okeke and Oyebode, a reputable law firm in Lagos. He also had a brief stint with Mudiaga Odje and Company (SAN) in Ward, Delta State. Barrister Nwuche is a very well known and amiable character, a goal-getter, a Public Relations Manager and what have you.
I, therefore, want to end up here by presenting to you Prince Nwuche for the position of Deputy Speaker (Applause).

Clerk to the National Assembly: Thank you very much. The seconder to that nomination, do you have anything to add?

Mr. Adamu Abdu Fanda (Albassur/Gaya): Yes.

Clerk to the National Assembly: Please, go on.

Mr. A. Fanda: Clerk to the National Assembly, what ought to be said, of course, had been said by the mover of the motion. The only thing to add that Mr. Chibudom Nwuche is somebody who is very humble, a team player and somebody who is willing to learn and of course, to move with each and everyone of us. Thank you very much.

Clerk to the National Assembly: The nominator of Prince Nwoko should please present his candidate. 

Dr. Abubakar Garba Shehu (Musawa/Matazu): Clerk to the National Assembly, Clerk to the House of Representative, honourable Members-elect, as you have heard, I nominated Prince Moniru Nwoko for the position of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Prince Nwoko holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and History from Keele University and LL.M degree from the University of London. A Barrister at Law, Prince Nwoko has a booming law practice at Grays Inn in London which is in the heart of British Legal heritage.
Hon. Members, if I continue to read the biography of Prince Nwoko, it may take me up to tomorrow morning. I will, therefore, summarize. To emphasise Prince Nwoko's patriotic credentials, he was the only Nigerian appointed into the Vision 2010 Committee in which he served in the Capital Market and Foreign Affairs Sub-committee. It is on record that Prince Nwoko attended all meetings of the Committee and he always paid the fares from his personal money. I therefore, recommend Prince Nwoko for the position of the Deputy Speaker of this honourable House.
Thank you.

Clerk to the National Assembly: The seconder to the nomination, do you have anything to add?

Mr. Bello Mohammed: The Clerk to the National Assembly, all that is to be said about Prince Nwoko has been said by Dr. Abubakar. So, all I believe we are going to do here is to get the right person for the right place. Thank you very much.

Clerk to the National Assembly: The nominator of Chief Oraka Nwogu should please go on.

Mr. J. P. Moses Owor (Andoni/Opobo/Nkworro): The Clerk to the National Assembly, honourable Members here present, I stand to nominate Chief Oraka Nwogu as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Chief Oraka Nwogu holds a B.Sc. Degree in Marketing, an MBA degree in Management and has held several political offices. At various times he has held both legislative and administrative offices. A one-time Local Government Chairman of Tai-Eleme LGA, he is an active leader, an eminent scholar and manager of resources. Above all, he is a democrat. 
Thank you.

Clerk to the National Assembly: Thank you very much. The seconder to the nomination, do you have anything to add?

Mr. Bernard Barida Mikko (Khana/Gokana): Yes. I just want to add that Chief Oraka Nwogu is a team player and he is best suited for the job.
Thank you very much.

Clerk to the National Assembly: Thank you very much. Now, we want the three nominated people to submit themselves to the service of the Federal House of Representatives. I will start with Mr. Chibudom Nwuche.

Mr. Chibudom Nwuche (Abua/Odual/Ahoada East): I am a Barrister at Law. I hold a first degree in Politics and Philosophy from University of Keele, Staffordshire, and a first degree in Law from the University of Wales in Aberystwyth. I also hold a Master's Degree in Law from the Kings College, University of London.
When I came back to Nigeria, I did my Law School and I have been in active legal commercial practice. I was the lawyer to the aborted Nigeria 95.
I offer myself to serve this great nation and members here present because I believe with humility, that I have the requisite credentials. I am prepared to be a servant of the people and not a master. As a team player, I will respect the Rules of the House and will look after Members' welfare. I wish, on this note, to accept my nomination to serve and I promise to give my utmost to this great nation to bring her back from the brink of collapse to the height of her glory.
I thank you very much.

Clerk to the National Assembly: I now call on Prince Nwoko to submit himself to the House of Representatives.

Mr. Ned Nwoko: The Clerk to the National Assembly, Honourable Members of this great Assembly, it is with great humility that I offer myself to serve as the Deputy Speaker of this House. I am a Lawyer by training. I have been a Lawyer for many years standing now and I feel that my experience as a Lawyer will be brought to bear at the Floor of the House. I accept the nomination to serve. (Applause)

Clerk to the National Assembly: Thank you very much. I now call on My Johnson Oraka Nwogu to submit himself to the Federal House of Representatives.

Mr. Johnson Oraka Nwogu (Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo): Mr. Clerk of the National Assembly, Honourable Members, I have a statement to make. I am grateful to those who have nominated me and found me worthy of being the Deputy Speaker of this House. I believe in this House, where we have very capable and qualified people, and with all that, I am sure that I stand tall among colleagues. I have no doubt that I could be first among equals. I have no doubt that I am eminently suited for the job. However, I am a democrat and I believe in democratic ideals. I believe in the integrity of honourable Members and I like to inform this House that only last night, I and my colleagues who are sworn in today were, as Members of the South South, involved in a process. That process was determined by the elders and colleagues, Legislators alike to choose amongst us somebody to present to the House. At the end of that exercise where I subjected myself to the process as an aspirant, honourable N. Chibudom Nwuche emerged. (Applause)
I, therefore, choose to stand on a high moral ground. I will not be party to a process that subverts the process in a democracy. (Applause) In urging all of us to find a lesson in this, I hereby, honourably and respectably decline my nomination, in favour of Mr. N. Chibudom Nwuche candidate for the Deputy Speaker of the South South. (Applause)

(Mr. Johnson Oraka Nwogu accordingly declines his nomination)

Clerk to the National Assembly: This leaves us with only two nominations, with the withdrawal of the last speaker. So, the nominator and seconder on both sides should come down and meet the Clerks at table so that we can proceed with the voting.

Mr. Abdul Azeez: The Clerk to the National Assembly, I am sorry to inform you that in the first election, my name did not appear.

Clerk to the National Assembly: Who do you support?

Mr. Abdul Azeez: I supported Hon. Buhari. 

Clerk to the National Assembly: That is all right. It will appear now. What is your name?

Mr. Abdul Azeez: My name is Abdul Azeez. 

Clerk to the National Assembly: You will record him as having voted for Hon. Buhari. Thank you. Honourable Members, when your names are being called, indicate who you are voting for. That is either for Mr. N. Chibudom Nwuche or Hon. Nwoko.

(The Deputy Clerk called out names as Members indicate their choice of candidate)

Hon. Member: I stand to say that Hon. Nwoko has not heard his name.

Clerk to the National Assembly: Who is he voting for?

Hon. Member: He is voting for himself.

Clerk to the National Assembly: Honourable Members, the election to the office of the Deputy Speaker has been concluded and the result is as follows:

Mr. Chibudom N. Nwuche 235
Mr. N. Nwoko 99
Abstentions 4

Hon. Members-elect who voted for Mr. Chibudom 

N. Nwuche
Abayomi, Maiyegun 
Abayomi, Sheba 
Abdu, Aminu 
Abdulkareem, Salihu 
Abubakar, Bello 
Abubakar, Isa Sani 
Amadi, A. V.
Adeh, Lumunba Dan 
Aderemi, Ajayi 
Adeshile, Adedeji K. 
Adeyemi, J. F. 
Adibi, T. Segun 
Adiele, Austin 
Adokiye, Young-Harry 
Agbeotu, E. E. 
Agbor, Patrick O. 
Agidani, Solomon 
Aguariavwodo, Emmanuel A. 
Aguebor, Sunday I
Ahmed, Aliyu Yako 
Ahmed, Umaru 
Akpan, Eno Sampson 
Akuha, Gbande N. 
Aladejebi, F.
Alao, Monsur Owolabi 
Alegbe, Benson 
Aliyu, Isiaq Adekunle 
Aliyu, Umar S. 
Anayo, Ede O.
Andie, Clement 
Animashaun, Oladotun 
Anyanwu, Tony 
Arewa, Moh'd D. S. 
Asake, Jonathan 
Asamu, Ola Awolabi 
Asinobi, Ake Wilson 
Asuquo Iyane E. 
Audu, Ado Dogo 
Ayogu, Fidea
Azamu, Samuel 
Aziegbemi, Anthony 
Baba, Mahamoud 
Babale, Jibrin 
Babatakwa, Yusuf Usman 
Babatunde, Oduyoye 
Bagudu, Bello
Balina, Yusuf Adetona 
Barata, Ahmed H.
Barida, Mikko Bernard 
Bassey, Emma Asuquo 
Batalawa, Garba Moh'd 
Bawa, Sani
Beckley, Akinyemi 
Binuwai, G. Josiah 
Bolori, Babagoni 
Bulama, Maxwell 
Burumburum, Bashir Yusuf 
Busari, Dada
Chiagu, Clifford E. 
Chijioke, Edeoga 
Chikelu, Chukwuemeka 
Chimaobi, Nwakanwa 
Chukwuemeka, Nwajiuba 
Collins, A. S.
Dagash, M. S. 
Damiru, Vincent O. 
Damuda, Mohamnmed A. 
Damulak, Jaafaru M. 
Dokko, Muktar
Dung, Sunday Daniel 
Duru, Chidi Okechukwu 
Edewor, Omolola Abiola 
Edoni, Mary F. 
Efekodha A.
Egberanmwen, Odubu Pius 
Egu, Greg C.
Elayo, Musa 
Enag, Ita Solomon 
Eno-Eyo, Akaninyene 
Epengule, Mike T. 
Essien, Nduese 
Esu, Tony Ibana 
Etobi, B. M.
Etteh, Patricia O. O 
Eze, Enwereuzor A 
Eze, Okere Tony 
Ezeani, Thankgod 
Fagite, L. A. 
Fajuru, C. O. 
Ganyam, Ibrahim A. 
Gary, Eneh Tony 
Gassol, Dahiru Bako 
Gatawa, Sirajo M 
Gora, Mutar A 
Gumel, Abdullahi A 
Habeeb, Fasinro A 
Ibekwe, Maurice 
Idahosa, Ehogie West 
Idowu, Amos A. O.
Igbobor, Peter Leja 
Igbokwe, Jerry 
Igeropo (Hon) 
Igwebuike, Ekwe U. 
Iheanacho, Obioma 
Ikerave, Godwin 
Ikpeazu, Lynda 
Ineke, Itaka Frank 
Inyang, Iquo 
Irabor, Nduka 
Isei, Almona M. 
Ismaila, Balarabe 
Iwezor, Nwala Jacob 
Jagaba, Adam
James, Seyon Bolarinwa 
James, Toyin Bolarinwa 
Jenrande, Kareem A 
Jibril Barau
Jonga, Hassan 
Jooji, Tachia 
Kamba, Abdullahi K. 
Kamoru, Oduntan 
Kehinde, Adeleke 
Kehinde, O. L. 
Kelechi, Loveday O. 
Kere, Kiyobas A. 
Kolawole, Olokodana 
Kumaila Moh'd Umara 
Kyari, Abubakar
Lakoju, Joseph Babatunde 
Laoshe, Abraham
Lar, Victor R. 
Larinde, Paul Oluyele 
Lasbry, Amadi Onusegbu 
Layande, Adewale A 
Long-John, Tonye O. 
Mabayoje, Bewaji 
Magori, Zubairu S. 
Malherbe, Zakari A. 
Matesun, Olaribigbe 
Mohammed, Aliyu 
Mudashiru, Hassan 
Mukhtar, Adahama I 
Egberamwen Odubu Puis 
Ngada, Dika S.
Nnachi, Agwu O. 
Nnah G. N. 
Nnamdi, Njoku Charles 
Nwabueze, Nwuche 
Nweigbaji, Francis 
Nwofe, Alexander
Nwogu, Johnson O. 
Nwole, Mck
Nelson P. U. 
Nyambi, A. O. 
Obande, Samuel Onazi 
Obiajulu, Anosike 
Obozuwa, Augustine U. 
Odujirin, Dorcas O. O. 
Ofodile, Chudi
Oga, Altine 
Ogar, Mike 
Ogbeide, Willie Enoma 
Oguike, Levi 
Ogunmefun, Adebola O. 
Ohabunwa, M.
Okeke, Fu 
Okon, Obeton 
Okon, Patrick Eneh 
Okoto, Foster 
Oladejo, Akinnifesi 
Oladeni, Ojegoke Rafiu 
Oladipo, Olaitan K. 
Olokun, Babatunde 
Olorunshola, Ojo 
Olusegun, Ojo R. 
Oluwale, Adeyemi 
Olowasegun, Taiwo Dele 
Oluwatayo, Rufus I. 
Omoseebi, Akin R. 
Omotosho, Micheal O. 
Onadeko, Onamusi 
Onigbogi, Olugbenga 
Onimole, O. O
Oniyia, Gideon C. A 
Onwe, Peter Sunday 
Orbor, Gabriel Ehimen 
Orimoloye P. S. 
Oshodi, Ayoola A 
Osuala, Christopher 
Owoola, O
Owor, Moses J 
Oyetunji, Abioye A. 
Paki, Tijani Sani 
Panda, Adamu Abdu 
Raji, Salisu M 
Remi, Babawale 
Sadiq, Sanusi A 
Saidu, Adamu 
Saidu, Isa
Salvador, Moshood 
Samar, Ahmadu Adamu 
Sani Stephen
Sarai, Ballo
Saraki, Fowora Gbemisola Rukiat 
Shehu, Aliyu
Shehu, Shettima 
Shinaka, Zakari 
Shira, Hamisu Mu'azu 
Shitu, Rauf Kolawaole E 
Song, Isa Chungwon 
Suleiman, Yusuf
Suswan, Gabriel T. 
Tangba, Obuta 
Tanko, Abdulazis 
Tijani, Babangida 
Tom, Abibo Promise 
Tsagero, Muazu Lemamu 
Tsegba, Temgu
Tukur, Awwal D. 
Uchechukwu, Maduako 
Udoh, Bernar Ambrose 
Udoh, Esio Oquong 
Udu, Sani
Ughanze, N. C. 
Ukachukwu, Nicholas 
Ukpong, Eaeyak Nkana 
Uppa, Cletus
Usman, Abdulkadir 
Usman, Alhaji 
Wakil, Moh'd 
Wuku, Dieworlo W 
Yakubu, Idris Yahaya 
Yero Bello Ibrahim 
Yilkes, Barminnas Ali 
Zakari, Alhaji 
Harriman Temi

Hon. Members-elect who voted for Mr. Ted. Nwoko Abdullahi, Bala

Abdullahi, Ibrahim 
Abiodun, Ojo Samuel 
Abubakar, Makwashi 
Adamu, Abdullahi 
Adamu, Bashiru 
Adebola, Alli Lateef 
Ahmed, Maiwada 
Ahmed, Yinusa Yahaya 
Al-Gadas, AI-Mashi 
Aliyu, Moh'd Inuwa 
Aliyu, Musa
Aliyu, Sani Abubakar Alkali, Mustapha
Aminu, Y. 
Anka, Sani Moh'd 
Aya, Florence D. 
Babangida, Jibrin Y. 
Babale, Martin 
Babangida, Umaru 
Bala, Ali
Bala Bashiru 
Balogun, Alli A. 
Bello, Aminu M. 
Bio, Ibrahim Issa 
Bojude, Saidu Ahmed I. 
Budof, Dauda Garba 
Bilkachuwa, Adamu Moh'd 
Chinonyerem, Macebuh 
Danmusa, Alhanssan A 
Dansa, Audu
Degre, Adamu Usman 
Dike, Cajethan 
Durojaiye, Gbadamosi L. 
Eze Alexandra Ike 
Ezeike, Romanus 
Geidam, Almajiri 
Ghali, Aminu
Golla, Jidda
Gurin, Nuhu Bobbo 
Hamza, Dalami 
Harisu, Surajo 
Haruna, Shehu L. 
Hassan, Sabiu 
Hussaini, Moh'd L 
Ibrahim, Lawal Alhaji 
Ibrahim, Lawal 
Ibrahim, Mohammed 
Inuwa, Magaji 
Isyaku, Yakubu 
Kaoje, Bala B. 
Khanin, Tauru T. 
Koji, Binta Garba 
Lawan, Ahmed I. 
Maidawa, Moh'd M. A 
Mamuno, Betu 
Mashi, Abdu Haro 
Matori, Abdullahi 
Mohammed, Ismaila 
Mohammed, Bello 
Mohammed, Isa Hassan 
Mohammed, Saleh M. 
Mohammed, Sani 
Mohammed, Zailani 
Muazu, Abimaje
Musa, Abdullahi 
Nassarawa, Usman Mani 
Nuhu, Musa A. 
Nwoko, Ted.
Okunyeye, Gbolahan O. 
Oni, Basaira Bola 
Oyebanji, Folaranmi 
Ruzuma, Jimba Issac 
Sahabi, Aliyu
Salihu, Yakubu
Sarouk, Farouk Abdulwahab O. 
Shehu, Abubakar G.
Shehu, Baba
Sheik, Olagbekoni M. 
Shugaba, Bello 
Sunsuwa, Dantani 
Tafarki, Kuriya 
Tanko, Yaya 
Taura, Safiyanu Uba 
Tbri, Ishiyaku 
Tukur, Abdul Rauf 
Tureta, Arzika 
Udu, Sani
Umar, Audu Idris 
Usman, Abdulaziz 
Usman, Mohammed 
Uzoka, Okwudili 
Wandu, Ibrahim Aliyu 
Yahaya, Mohammed 
Yahaya, Shuaib 
Yakubu, Hassan Kiryo 
Yari, Sule
Yar'Ardua, Abubakar Sadiq 
Zailani, Ibrahim

Hon. Members-elect who abstained 

Ibrahim, Alhaji D. Sani
Kuta, Alhaji Umaru Tanko 
Yanakara, Alhaji Lawal Yusuf 
Edoni, Mary F.

Clerk to the National Assembly: Accordingly, it is my pleasure to declare Hon. Chibudom Nwuche as the duly elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Thereupon, the Deputy Speaker-elect was taken out of his seat and conducted to the Table by Chief Anthony O. Efe Kodha and Mr. Adamu Abdu Panda
Thereafter, the Deputy Speaker-elect took and subscribed the Oaths required by law.

(Acceptance Speech by Mr. Speaker)

Mr. Speaker: Deputy Speaker, Mr. dear honourable Members of the House Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Clerk of the House, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, today we have made history. Our collective will has been voiced loud and clear. (Applause) We have demonstrated that our will reigns supreme in our sacrifice to serve our fatherland. There is no room for our personal ambitions or interests. We can now speak with one voice in the interest of all Nigerians. (Applause) I urge you all as winners to come together, we are one. Let us bury our differences and work together to move forward, forever. We shall be guided by the wisdom of the constitution of . the Federal Republic of Nigeria which sets a civilised manner by which the rule of law shall prevail. There will be no short cuts to. rationality and the truth. All must comply by the constitution without exception. We shall not lose focus of the common man's needs.
The heavy burden placed on our shoulders must, fellow Members, be executed within the bonds of law, in the eyes of all and in an enabling atmosphere. All honourable Members must have the minimum facilities or more to achieve maximum results in consonance with the economic realities. We will strike a favourable balance, with your cooperation, to enable us carry out our legitimate duties, no matter how hard the task.
The Executive and Judiciary can rest assured of our total cooperation without compromise to our constitutional role as defenders of the common man's cause.
House Rules and Procedures will be strictly complied with in the hope that this will endear us to our people and make us the best legislature Nigeria, Africa and indeed the world has seen, before, during and after our tenure and we can do it.
May I humbly invoke on the Almighty's mercy and guidance as we set forth on a new dawn of hope for the common man who will in the end rejoice and hold us high in esteem for the type of deliberations we shall all conduct for his benefit and in our National interests.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you. (Applause)

Mr. Speaker: Now, the next item shall be the administration of Oaths on Members-elect and it shall be done in twenty numbers for those who have declared their assets. Those who have not declared their assets and have not submitted their forms shall have theirs tomorrow. Thank you.

Alhaji AI-Mashl Al-Gadas (Jalingo/Yarro/Zing): Mr. Speaker, I have a point of information. It had been stated in the form that after filling the form we shall bring it at the expiration of 30 days. So, I am surprise by this announcement because when we came here, we informed the Clerk to the National Assembly that we were unable to go to the High Court to sign them. He agreed that we should bring the form tomorrow and we shall be allowed to take the Oath of Allegiance. So, Mr. Speaker, I am surprised at the announcement that those who do not bring the signed forms shall not take the Oath today.

Mr. Speaker: It is one of the provisions that those forms must be presented first and I would want you to please bear with us. This is the starting point.

Alhaji Al Mashi Al-Gadas: Mr. Speaker, but it is written in the form, Sir.

Mr. Speaker: Yes, that is why I said that you should bear with us.

OATHS
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE 
AND
OATH OF MEMBERSHIP

Mr. Speaker: Members should please come to the Table ready to be administered the Oath. 

Thereupon the following Members made Affirmations as required by law:

Abayomi, Maiyegun 
Abayomi, Shehu
Abdu, Aminu 
Abdulkareem, Salihu 
Abdullahi, Bala 
Abdullahi Ibrahim 
Abiodun, Ojo Samuel 
Abubakar, Bello 
Abubakar, Isa Sani 
Abubakar, Makwashi 
Adamu, A. V. 
Adamu, Abdullahi 
Adamu, Bashiru 
Adamu, Musa Usuku 
Ademola, Adeniyi T. 
Adeh, Lumunba Dan 
Aderemi, Ajayi 
Adeshile, Adedeji K. 
Adeyemi, J. F. 
Adibi, T. Segun 
Adiele, Austin 
Adokiye, Young-Harry 
Agbor, Patrick O. 
Agidani, Solomon 
Aguariavwodo, Emmanuel A. 
Aguebor, Sunday I.
Ahmed, Abdul 
Ahmed, Aliyu Yako 
Ahmed, Maiwada 
Ahmed, Umaru 
Ahmed, Yinusa Yahaya 
Akpan, Eno Sampson 
Akuha, Gbande N. 
Aladejebi, F.
Alao, Monsur Owolabi 
Al-Gadas, AI-Mashi 
Aliyu, Isiaq Adekunle 
Aliyu, Mohammed Inuwa 
Aliyu, Musa
Aliyu, Umar S.
Aliyu, Sani Abubakar 
Alkali, Mustapha 
Aminu, Y.
Anayo, Edeh O. 
Andie, Clement 
Animashaun, Oladotun 
Anka, Sani Mohammed 
Anyanwu, Tony 
Arewa, Mohammed S. 
Asake, Jonathan 
Asinobi, Ake Wilson 
Asuquo, Iyane E.
Audu, Ado Dogo
Aya, Florence D. 
Ayogu, Fidea 
Azamu, Samuel 
Aziegbemi, Anthony 
Baba, Mahamoud 
Babangida, Jibrin Y. 
Babale, Jibrin 
Babale, Martin 
Babangida, Umaru 
Babatunde, Oduyoye 
Bagudu, Bello
Bala, Bashiru
Baline, Yusuf Adetona 
Balogun, Ala A. 
Barata, Ahmed H. 
Barida, Mikko Bernard 
Bassey, Emma Asuquo 
Batalawa, Garba Mohammed 
Bawa, Sani
Beckley, Akinyemi 
Bello, Aminu M. 
Binuwal, G. Josiah 
Bio, Ibrahim Issa 
Bojude, Saidu Ahmed 
Bolori, Babagoni 
Budof, Dauda Garba 
Bulama, Maxwell 
Bulkachuwa, Adamu Mohammed 
Burumburum, Bashir Yusuf 
Basaru, Dada
Bwari, Bawa A. 
Chiagu, Clifford E. 
Chikelu Chukwuemeka 
Chimaobi, Nwakanma 
Chinonyerem, Macebuh 
Chukwuemeka, Nwajiuba 
Collins, A. S.
Dagash, M. S. 
Damiru, Vincent O. 
Damuda, Mohammed A. 
Damulak, Jaafaru M. 
Danmusa, Alhanssan 
Dansa, Audu
Degre, Adamu Usman 
Dike, Cajethan 
Dokko, Muktar 
Dumi, Gabriel
Dung, Sunday Daniel 
Durojaiye, Gbadamosi L. 
Duru, Chidi Okechukwu 
Edewor, Omolola Abiola
Edoni, Mary F. 
Efekodha, A. 
Egu, Greg C. 
Elayo, Musa 
Enag Ita Solomon J. 
Eno-Eyo, Akaninyene 
Epengule, Mike T. 
Essien, Nduese
Esu, Tony Ibana 
Etobi, B. M. 
Etteh, Patricia . O. 
Eze, Enwereuzor A. 
Eze, Alexandra Ike 
Eze, Okere Tony 
Ezeani, Thankgod 
Ezeike, Romanus 
Fagite, L. C. 
Fajuru, C. O. 
Ganyam, Ibrahim A. 
Gary, Eneh Tony 
Gassol, Dahiru Bako 
Gatawa, Sirajo M. 
Geldam, Almajiri 
Ghail, Aminu 
Gumel, Abdullahi A. 
Gurin, Nuhu Bobbo 
Habeeb, Fasinro A. 
Hamza, Danlami 
Harisu, Surajo 
Haruna, Shehu L. 
Hassan, Sabiu 
Hassaini, Mohammed L. 
Ibekwe, Maurice 
Ibrahim, Lawal Alhaji 
Ibrahim, Lawai 
Ibrahim, Mohammed 
Idahosa, Ehogie West 
Idowu, Amos A. O. 
Igbobor, Peter Leja 
Igbokwe, Jerry
Igeropo Hon. 
Igwebuike, Ekwe U. 
Iheanacho, Obioma 
Iherave, Godwin 
Ikpeazu, Lynda 
Ineke, Itaka Frank
Inuwa, Magaji 
Inyang,Iquo 
Irabor, Nduka 
Isei, Almona M. 
Ismalla, Balarabe
Isyaku, Yakubu 
Iwezor, Nwala Jacob 
Jagada, Adam
James, Seyon Bolarinwa 
James, Toyin Bolarinwa 
Jenrande, Kareem A. 
Jibril, Baran
Jonga, Hassan 
Jooji, Tachia 
Kamba, Abdullahi K. 
Kaoje, Bala B. 
Kamoru, Oduntan 
Kehinde, Adeleke 
Kehinde, O. L. 
Kelechi, Loveday O. 
Kere, Klyobas A. 
Khanin, Tauru T. 
Koji, Binta Garba 
Kolawole, Olokodana 
Kumaila Mohammed Umara 
Kuta, Umaru Tanko
Kyari, Abubakar
Lakoju, Joseph Babatunde 
Laoshe, Abraham
Lar, Victor R. 
Larinde, Paul Oluyele 
Lasbry, Amadi Onusegbu 
Lawan, Ahmed I. 
Layande, Adewale A. 
Long-John, Tonye O. 
Mabayoje, Bewaji 
Magori, Zabairu S. 
Maidawa, Mohammed M. A. 
Maiherbe, Zakari A. 
Mamuro, Betu
Mashi, Abdu Haro 
Matesun, Olaribigbe 
Matori, Abdullahi 
Mika'ilu, Haruna Mohammed 
Mohammed, Ismaila 
Mohammed, Aliyu 
Mohammed, Bello 
Mohammed, Isa Hassan 
Mohammed, Saleh M. 
Mohammed, Zailani
Muazu, Abimaje 
Mudashiru, Hassan 
Mukhtar, Adahama L. 
Musa, Abdullahi 
Mwen, Plus Egberan O. 
Nassarawa, Usman Mani
Ngada, Dika S. 
Nnachi, Agwu O. 
Nnah, G. N. 
Nnamdi, Njoku Charles 
Nuhu, Musa A. 
Nwabueze, Nwuche 
Nweigbaji, Francis 
Nwofe, Alexander 
Nwogu, Johnson O. 
Nwoko, Ted
Nwole, McNelson P. U. 
Nyambi, A. O. 
Obande, Samuel Onazi 
Obiajulu, Anosike 
Obozuwa, Augustine U. 
Odujirin, Dorca O. O. 
Ofodile, Chudi
Oga, Altine
Ogado, Patience Uwe 
Ogar Mike
Ogbeide, Willie Enoma 
Oguike, Levi 
Ogunmefun, Adebola O. 
Ohabunwa, M.
Okeke, F. U. 
Okon, Obetan 
Okon, Patrick Eneh 
Okoto, Foster 
Okunyeye, Gbolahan O. 
Oladejo, Akinnifesi 
Oladeni, Ojegoke Rafiu 
Oladipo, Olaitan K. 
Olokun Babatunde 
Olusegun, Ojo R. 
Olorunshola, Ojo 
Oluwale, Adeyemi 
Oluwasegun, Taiwo Dele 
Oluwatayo, Rufus I. 
Omoseebi, Akin R. 
Omotosho, Michael O. 
Onadeko, Onamusi 
Oni, Basaira Bola 
Onigbogi, Olugbenga 
Onimole, O. O.
Oniyia, Gideon C. A. 
Onwe, Peter Sunday 
Orbor, Gabriel Ehimen 
Orimoioye, P. S. 
Oshodi, Ayoola A. 
Osuala, Christopher 
Owoola, O.
Owor, Moses J. 
Oyebanji, Folaranmi 
Oyetunji, Abioye A. 
Paki, Tijani Sani 
Panda, Adamu Abdu 
Raji, Salisu M. 
Rasaki, Shakiru Alade 
Remi, Babawale
Ruzuma, Jimba Isaac 
Sadiq, Sanusi A. 
Sahabi, Aliyu
Saidu, Adamu 
Saidu, Isa 
Salihu, Yakubu 
Salvador, Moshood 
Samar, Ahmadu Adamu 
Sani Stephen
Sarai, Bako
Saraki, Fowora Gbemisola Rukiat 
Sarouk, Farouk Abdulwahab O. 
Shehu, Abubakar G.
Shehu, Aliyu 
Shehu, Baba 
Shehu, Shettima 
Sheik, Olagbekoni M. 
Shinaka, Zakari 
Shira, Hamisu Mu'azu 
Shittu, Rauf Kolawole E. 
Shugaba, Bello
Song, Isa Chungwon 
Suleiman, Yusuf 
Sunsuwa, Dantani 
Suswan, Gabriel T. 
Tafarki, Kuriya 
Tangba, Obuta 
Tanko, Abdulaziz 
Tanko, Yaya 
Taura, Safiyaku 
Tijani, Babangida 
Tom, Abibo Promise 
Tsagero, Muazu Lemamu 
Tsanyawa, Umaru A. 
Tsegba, Terngu
Tukur, Abdul Rauf 
Tukur, Awwal D. 
Tureta, Arzika 
Uchechukwu, Maduako 
Udoh, Bernard Ambrose 
Udon, Esio Oqpong 
Udu, Sani
Ughanze, N. C.