Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, who said he never liked politics, has finally set an agenda for the future as he announced that he had accepted a request by his constituents to recontest the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
The speaker in his usual boyish charm had told his supporters that he was considering stepping down having represented the interests of the constituency for the last 12 years.
Yakubu Dogara however said that the overwhelming show of support by members of his constituency who thronged to his home in Abuja all the way from Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa Balewa local government areas in Bauchi State changed his mind and he decided to run for another term in their interest.
According to Yakubu Dogara himself;
“Some people said they will retire us from politics, but we want to inform them that only God and the electorate can retire us. Because you came, because of your sacrifice, I want to announce to you that I will run to once again represent our constituency. I will soon come to meet you at home to make this formal.
I am shocked and surprised because I never thought or imagined that when I woke up today I will see this mammoth crowd in my house. I am seeing faces of people we started this journey with since 2007. I pray God to reward you for this sacrifice. I was almost tired having been doing the same thing for almost 12 years now.” He said in a surprised tone.
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The Speaker then continued further;
“In recent days I started hearing some rumours and some people were already celebrating that I won’t run again. Nobody can impose leadership on you. Only you our people can choose who will represent you.
I want to assure you that whatever you want us to do that is what we will do. Those who have said that they will retire us from politics I want tell them that we have just begun.
We will continue to attract development to our area; build roads, hospitals, schools, and create opportunities for our people to thrive,” he said.
The leaders of the group Alhaji Murtala Miyetti Allah, Mrs. Keziah Dare and Mr. Bulus Bully, told Mr. Yakubu Dogara that they came to appeal to the Speaker to seek reelection because members of his constituency could not afford not to have his experience in the leadership of the constituency considering the level of development he has brought to the area.
One of the leaders, Mrs. Keziah Dare said;
“I cried bitterly when I heard that you won’t contest again but I am very happy now having seen you. Please continue to represent us; you have done so much for our people. You empowered women and youths.” a call that was also echoed by the other leaders.