A coalition of pro-democracy groups, North-Central Democratic Coalition, has demanded the zoning of the office of Speaker, House of Representatives in the incoming 10th National Assembly, to the North-Central geo-political zone of the country.
In a message titled “10th Assembly: A Passionate Appeal for the North-Central”, read by Chancellor of the group, Dr. Ben Amodu, at the national headquarters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, it said the strategic importance of the North-Central region in the scheme of things in the country can’t be overemphasised.
Amodu, surrounded by members of the coalition, said they were at the APC headquarters to demand fair treatment of the North-Central zone given the fact that it remains dependable for the ruling party in every election cycle.
“It gives me great joy to stand before patriotic Nigerians who have displayed an unalloyed commitment to sustaining our nascent democracy in Nigeria. As a group the North Central Democratic Coalition is a coalition of pro-democracy groups in the North Central region of the country devoted to the ideals of democracy and the sustenance of credible leadership in the North Central region of Nigeria.
“It must be stated that the strategic importance of the North Central region in the scheme of things in the country can’t be overemphasized. The region had proved to be that reliable ally when it mattered most.
“This much has been demonstrated in different electoral circles, including the recently concluded general elections. Let us also forget that the North-Central region proved strategic towards the electoral success of the APC during the presidential and national assembly elections.
“My fellow comrades, in our quest for good governance, we must ensure inclusiveness in the country’s governance structure. This is because other regions in the country had been adequately represented. The North Central region should be accommodated in the leadership of the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives.
“We have come here today in our numbers to demand the zoning of the speakership position in the NorthzCentral region of the country. A non-action implies that the North-Central region would be left out of the scheme of things because the Vice President is from the North-East, and the North-West is in strong contention for a Senate leadership position.
“Therefore, the need for accommodating the North-Central in the scheme of things must be addressed. We dare say that the North-Central region has been neglected by previous administrations, which does not augur well for our democratic experiment. For example, the current arrangement does not include the North-Central region, with the president from the North-West, the Senate President from the North-East, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation from the North-East.
“The North-Central region was left home and dry. Regardless, its loyalty to the party was manifest during the general elections. As they say, the rest is history with the party’s electoral success.
“The North-Central Democratic Coalition believes that what is good for the goose should be good for the gander, hence our appeal to the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress to ensure the zoning of the Speakership of the 10th Assembly to the North Central.”
He added that the group believed that such a move will entrench inclusivity necessary for the growth and development of the APC and the democratic journey in Nigeria, which is essential in our quest for sustainable growth and development.
“The National Working Committee of the APC must accept that the North-Central region had been neglected in the scheme of things. It had been a case that the North-Central region is needed only when it is convenient during elections. After elections, they are no longer required.
“The North-Central Democratic Coalition frowns at such disposition as it has the potential to brew disunity and a crisis of confidence within the leadership of the APC, which we must admit is not necessary given the onerous task ahead of the incoming administration.
“The North Central region has been noted for loyalty during and after elections. If so, why have previous administrations neglected the region regarding political patronage? This aberration must be addressed in good time in the spirit of fairness.
“As a group, we have extensively analyzed the list of aspirants for the position of speaker of the House of Representatives. Interestingly, the North-Central parades credible and competent lawmakers that would do well as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“It is easily noticeable that from previous experiences, the loyalty of the North Central cannot be questioned. This much had been exhibited in different forums and circumstances that were indeed beneficial to the APC and its programs and policies,” Amodu added.
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