Ambassador Tijani Abdulmumini in the middle with other members of the Group, Mr Timothy Oloruntoba Elerewe, far right and Ogbeni Olawale Dawudu, far left
By Our ReporterÂ
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations(CSO), has warned the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC) and the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu against making a mistake of constituting a NASS leadership in the next 10th Assembly that would become a thorne in the flesh of the incoming APC administration.
Addressing a Press Conference in Abuja Thursday, on behalf of the groups, Coalition of Northern Patriotic Front, South-West Professionas and Coalition of Arewa Youth Group, Ambassador Tijani Abdulmumini advised APC to be weary of those who justle for leadership positions in the next NASS especially, Speakership.
According to Ambassador Abdulmumini, the press conference is called to raise concern on certain issues concerning the leadership of this country, perhaps where we might find ourselves again if we fail to speak up when it’s necessary.
“It’s not about who gets what or takes what; it’s about the interest of the country.
“You will observer that since the victory of the APC at the last General Elections, many disturbing issues have surfaced that warrant the attention of the leadership of the party, concerned Nigerians like us and the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We have heard recently how some groups have also lended their voices and even advised the President-elect, on how the leadership of the National Assembly should be constituted.
“We have observed that the contest for the Leadership of the 10th National Assembly, of which the APC is in firm control, has become, for some, a theatre to display their naivety. As experienced political players and stakeholders, we are all aware that the National Assembly is the ‘engine room’ of the success of any government, not that alone, we must be reminded that the growth of our democracy owned much to the quality of leadership we produce in our parliament, especially at National Assembly”, he pointed out.
He argued that “a party that fails to get the leadership of the National Assembly right, may not witness major development”, adding that, “the 8th Assembly is a classical example, where President Muhammadu Buhari-led government could not do much because of the emergence of rebellious group within the APC who worked in cross purpose against the policies of the ruling party throughout their stint. This alone cost the government and indeed the country a huge setback”.
The group leader however noted that elections had come and gone, saying “we observed that those who sold the party to the opposition, especially in the South East where it’s now rumoured that the next Speaker may emerge from, are the same people whose voices have been so loud in the race to take over the leadership in House.
“It is a given fact that the departing speaker, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, has manifestly raised the bar of leadership of the House with his experience and command performance in the last eight years. It’s therefore expected that the tempo should be sustained to make this institution an admiration for other developing democracies.
“Femi’s illustrious outing has made the choosing of a worthy successor all the more inevitable. Any lowering of the present standard of leadership in the House by a triumph of mediocrity over excellence in the leadership recruitment process will speak of a relapse and an inexcusable let down for the country and the House.
“Femi did not by accident become the Speaker of the House; his experience as a lawmaker who had served consecutively in four different assemblies as well as his loyalty to his party and benefactor, earned him the position.
“Therefore, among the criteria that should guide the House members in the choice they make is their scorecard; their contributions to the success of the party during the last election and public perception of those who have shown interest to lead.
“This is very critical, especially in a time like this in the history of the country when the incoming government will be confronted with so much challenges to fulfill its campaign promises and would therefore require not just men of impeccable character but also the best heads to salvage the country from the storm ahead”, he maintained
Ambassador Abdulmumini counseled the party and President-elect not to reward any member of the party who did not perform well in their constituencies in the last election with any leadership positions
