By Thompson Agu, Abuja
Tuesday’s defection of Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker of House of Representatives has opened another chapter in the political life of his Deputy, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha.
Trumpeta Abuja correspondent gathered on good authority that Ihedioha from Imo State is indirectly under pressure from the main opposition party in the country, the APC.
It would be recalled that after several permutations, Tambuwal formally declared for the APC and indications emerged he will run for the governorship position of Sokoto State under the platform of the party.
Following the development in Abuja our correspondent gathered that in order to save the position of the Speaker which APC values as being strategic, overtures are being made to Ihedioha to protect the interest of his erstwhile ally, Tambuwal.
Tambuwal and Ihedioha were among the elected principal officers who hitherto overlooked PDP zoning arrangement to present themselves for the positions of Speaker and Deputy against PDP’s arrangement.
They however enjoyed backings from opposition party APC and coasted to victory. It was learnt that Ihedioha and Tambuwal enjoy rosy relationship hence the desire of APC leadership and chieftains to approach him for a deal on ways to protect Tambuwal.
At the defection of Speaker Tambuwal to APC, PDP hierarchy not only demanded that he step down but are said to be perfecting strategy to impeach him. Authoritative sources close to Ihedioha in Abuja noted that APC chieftains have been milling around Ihedioha with a view to getting audience with the Deputy Speaker. Ihedioha was considered vital among the principal officers because of the affinity both enjoy since their inauguration.
Despite rumours that about 20 more Lawmakers will join Tambuwal to APC, Ihedioha was said to be of immense importance if protecting the Speaker’s seat is a task that must be achieved.
It was further learnt that the agreement that the House adjourns to Dec 3, 2014, was a ploy to frustrate PDP attempts to impeach Tambuwal in consonance with his Deputy, Ihedioha who did not raise eyebrow about the long adjournment.
Another factor said to be propelling APC to make the approach is the Atiku connection. Ihedioha is said to be an off shoot of Atiku’s political family as he had cut his teeth in politics by enjoying the patronage of the APC helmsmen and former Vice President in the past.
When our correspondent called at the Abuja office of the Deputy Speaker at the National Assembly, none of his Aides was willing to speak but one who offered to speak noted that though he saw some persons but could not determine which party they belonged to since people flock around Ihedioha as a Leader in the House.
