The Better Nigeria Movement, a pro-democracy group, has urged House of Representatives lawmakers to select qualified leaders for the 10th National Assembly.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday and signed by the convener, Saliu Bako, the group also stressed the need for All Progressives Congress lawmakers to elect a “loyal and competent” party man as Speaker of the House because the President cannot afford a power-drunk politician.
On Thursday night, the President reaffirmed his commitment to democracy in all branches of government. We learned that the President reiterated the need to rally around Senator Akpabio for the Senate presidency to balance the religious bias of the top three executives not being Muslims, and he clearly stated that members-elect should choose a competent Speaker among themselves.
He’s a Democrat. The house should choose its leaders, he says. He doesn’t like people using his name to take over the house.
The group also stressed the importance of electing a competent and loyal Speaker.
He said, “The House is an institution with 360 members; members should be allowed to elect one of them.” Most importantly, Mr. President needs a strong party man to run the House. Mr. President cannot afford a power-drunk politician’s stooge who wants to control the house for their interests.
“In April, some individuals purportedly selected Tajudeen Abass from Kaduna State as the party’s choice for House Speaker. Some lawmakers-elect protested the choice, saying they weren’t consulted.
However, we support Aminu Jaji, President Tinubu’s loyal ally, as the leading candidate. He has steadfastly pursued the Speaker of the House of Representatives position, refusing to step down for anyone.”
