The End of "Optical Illusion" Is Fast Approaching - one out of the 178 members in support of Gbajabiamila's Speakership

“SPEAKERSHIP AND GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO’S FALLACIOUS STATEMENT” – HON. TEEJAY YUSUF

02/05/19

My attention has been drawn to a viral video been circulated, intensively by some mischief makers, to misinform, confuse and generate concerns amongst the good people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Kogi West Senatorial District, Kogi State, as well as my colleagues, especially members of the PDP Caucus in the House of Representatives as well as other progressive-minded Nigerians.

In the 50-seconds video, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State was heard, while addressing some of his Party Leaders and members on the aspiration of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for the Speakership position, saying, “in fact, let me assure that Hon. TJ Yusuf that is in PDP will do our bidding. He is one of those that we are hopeful will come and I will talk to him, he will come”. 

Within the past 24 hours alone, I have been inundated with countless telephone calls, text messages, Whatsapp chats and personal visits by patriotic constituents and other Nigerians who feel concerned about the very obvious Freudian slip by Governor Yahaya Bello. Indeed, some expressed very deep worries and concerns about the deliberate attempt by the Kogi State Governor to draw my name into his remarks with a view to use such to impress, attract sympathy and curry favour from the Leader of his party whom he was addressing.

I wish to state with every sense of responsibility that I have NEVER discussed with the Governor, his associates, aides or any of his team about the coming Speakership election or on any matter whatsoever. Also, I have never participated in any meeting; formal or informal, by/with the Governor, his associates, aides or any of his team, either in Kogi State or anywhere whatsoever, on who emerges Speaker of the 9th Assembly of the House of Representatives. 

I do not have such personal relationship with Governor Yahaya or his associates, neither have I participated in any meeting with the Governor nor any of his people on the choice of who to support as the Speaker of House of Representatives.

While such utterances may express Governor Bello’s hopes and optimistic wishes, such expectations remain an illusion and I urge all the good people of my constituency, members of my party and all discerning Nigerians to see the utterances as mere fallacy.

Since 2011 when I was elected into the House of Representatives by the good people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency on the platform of the PDP, I have displayed unflinching passion, unalloyed loyalty and unwavering commitment in the pursuit of our great Party’s agenda, programmes and activities; at all times.

Happily, my loyalty and consistency as a law-abiding partyman has not gone unnoticed by Elders, Leaders and various structures of the PDP - indeed, it is in recognition of my commitment that I was made a Member of the Party’s National Executive Council. Having gone this far in my political career under the PDP; it is too late in the day for me to do anything that will destroy the good name, honour and integrity that Almighty God has given me.

While I urge my constituents, party faithful, colleagues, friends and associates to disregard whatsoever purpose the video was meant to achieve, I assure all that as a very loyal partyman and team-player, I will assiduously work towards the realisation of our Party hierarchy decision. I am confident that at the right time, the Leadership of our great Party will discuss, liaise and guide; as true democrats, unlike the dictatorial tendencies of the APC, we, the about 130 Members-elect PDP Caucus on the way to go as per who emerges Speaker of the 9th Assembly in the House of Representatives. 

I wish to assure all that when decision is taken as to who to vote for as Speaker of the House of Representatives, I, as a very loyal, reliable Party Member, like I did in 2015, will deploy all energies, passion, commitment, contacts and goodwill across board towards realising and fulfilling the mandate of our great Party.

Finally, I wish to commend Elders, Leaders, Officials, Members of our great Party, as well as colleagues, friends and associates for their genuine love, concern and understanding. 

HON. TEEJAY YUSUF