The Coalition of Public Interests Lawyers has urged the incoming 9th National Assembly to consider individual capacity and fair opportunity that best reflected Federal Character in electing the leadership of the House of Representatives.
The National Coordinator of the Collation, Mr Pelumi Olajengbesi, gave the advice at a press conference after the group’s meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that in a country which has six geo-political zones, a top-down appraisal of regions, which had gained a significant position in the Federal Government, must be the guiding light in deciding on the leaders in the House of Representatives.
“While agitating for a level playing field, let it be noted that anything short of a constituted leadership that reflects Federal Character is an indictment of early failure on the House of Representatives.
“Please note that minority geo-political regions are as important as those tagged as the majority. They must be accommodated in all government schemes and given a level playing field at all times.”
Olajengbesi who described the Speakership as key position, urged members of the 9th green chamber to ensure that the position was strictly occupied by a man of integrity, content, character and fresh ideas needed for the growth of the country.
“As the House of Representatives proceeds to elect its leadership, it must be mindful of the need to choose from among themselves only those leaders with a capacity to cultivate and sustain a cordial, smooth and working relation with the other arms of government, particularly the executive without compromise.
“Such a leader must be seen to be committed to progress and development at all times.
“Members of the House of Representatives are further advised to take the path of honour and select only those leaders with sound antecedents and credentials.
“A thorough appraisal of the personality, character and history of all vying for the Speakership position must be carried out to eliminate any candidate with questionable records or tainted histories.
“The House of Representatives must not elect anybody with questionable character to its leadership, or else stand the risk of National reputation crisis in the 9th Assembly,” he said.
Olajengbesi said that whoever emerged as the Speaker must be a man free from the influence of godfathers or political sponsors, saying loyalty to the Nigerian people was key and must be a priority.
“As our bitter experience has shown in the past, godfatherism in government breeds anarchy and divided loyalty. Nigerians want a Speaker that will be loyal to the Nigerian people and not any individual or party.
“The 9th National Assembly must get it right this time and rid itself of external influence capable of derailing its activities on the floor,” he said.
(NAN)
