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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
A coalition of House of Representatives members-elect, on the aegis of “Joint Task-10th assembly” have reiterated their determination to abide by the zoning formula of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) for the speaker and deputy speaker positions in the 10th assembly.
The coalition, which consists of members-elect from the APC, Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), the Labour Party (LP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Young Progressive Party (YPP), said their aim was to promote the independence of the legislature and enhance the unity of the country.
The chairman of the coalition, Usman Bello Kumo, while speaking at the inauguration of the formal inauguration of the group, in Abuja, said the lawmakers-elect do not have any favourite among all those who have indicated interest in the leadership of the House in the 10th assembly.
Kumo, who is currently the chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, noted the “Joint Task-10th assembly” is also interested in harmonious working relationship between the legislature and the executive in the next dispensation, as well as ensuring “equity and fairness in the emergence of Presiding and Principal Officers in line with best parliamentary practice.”
According to him, “our driving force is ‘Nigeria’s Unity and the Stability of the 10th House of Representatives.’ In ensuring the above, we have resolved to go by the decision of the majority party, which is the APC, in deciding which zones produce the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
“We believe that the APC would do the right thing, and once the zoning is done, we would decide on the next line of action. We would be guided by capacity, competence, experience and other leadership qualities.
“However, as of today, ladies and gentlemen, we do not have any preferred aspirant for the office of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. But we note that a number of our colleagues, all of whom are eminently qualified, have declared their interest in the seat of Speaker.
“Our message to Nigerians at this point is that we are ready to work for the betterment of our country and the citizens. To achieve that, we have to work harmoniously with the Executive Arm
