I AM STILL IN PDP - TAMBUWAL

SPEAKER of the Federal House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu
Tambuwal,yesterday debunked speculations that he is planning a
defection to the All Peoples Congress.. He said he still remains a
member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite widespread
insinuations that he was dumping the party for the All Progressive
Congress (APC).
Meanwhile, the Speaker has described Governor Adams Oshiomhole as a
defender of democracy, and achiever.
Tambuwal spoke in Benin City shortly after paying a condolence visit
to the Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa on the death of his eldest wife,
Queen Esther Erediauwa. He also paid a courtesy visit to Governor
Oshiomhole at Government House.
Asked if he is still a member of the PDP,, Tambuwal asserted that "I I
am still a member of the PDP".
Also, reacting to the directive of the APC leadership that the
National Assembly should not pass the Budget, the Speaker said that
the directive is meant for APC lawmakers and not for PDP.
He said, the House of Representatives has been calling on the Federal
Government and security agencies to do everything possible to restore
peace in Rivers State.
Speaking at Government House Benin City,, Tambuwal said, "We commend
you for your efforts in not only promoting and sustaining very key and
important developments in Edo State but also,, promoting democracy and
democratic ethics. You are one leader that we appreciate and pray that
God will continue to sustain you in good health and may He continue to
guide your state and by the grace of God, He will reward you
abundantly even after leaving the office that you currently occupy.
"We are happy with you and I'm sure the people of Edo State are very
happy to have a true and committed nationalist, a pan -Nigerian as
their governor. We are in Edo State to condole the Royal Majesty and
through the Comrade Governor to the people of Edo State on the
transition unto glory of our dear mother, Queen Esther Erediauwa.
"From what I was told, she was the head of the harem of His Royal
Majesty. That therefore underscores how important she has been in the
palace and in the Kingdom of Benin. She has been a very good supporter
and comforter of the Royal Majesty. That is why I felt I should come
and condole him and the people of Edo State over this loss".
Responding, Governor Adams Oshiomhole described the Speaker as a role
model worthy of emulation by all Nigerians.
According to the governor, "You have been guided by the overall
objective of a parliament that legislates and carries out its
oversight function for the purpose of ensuring there is good
governance for the common man. You speak in unison on issues that
affect national interest. It is a fact looking at national
institutions that you are a presiding officer who has been able to
make a statement not by mouth but by action that the National Assembly
is truly one regardless of the political party.
"Let me say that in Edo State, our people admire you a lot for the
very effective leadership that you have provided to the House that has
a history of instability even when it was dominated by one political
party. I am sure most Nigerians admire your leadership style in which
you have carried everybody along in the House of Representatives. You
are a role model with rare leadership qualities needed by every
nation", he said.
The Speaker was joined on the visit by five members of the House of
Representatives from Edo State, including Samson Osagie, Rasaq Bello
Osagie among others.