Don’t Interfere In NASS Leadership, CSOs Caution APC

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in conjunction with Centre for Grassroots Development and Crime Prevention (CGDCP) has called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow the leadership of the 10th National Assembly emerge through a contest.

The CSOs said the office of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representative should be open for members to choose rather than the current zoning arrangement.

The convener of the coalition, Professor Dosu Malomo, made the call during a media interaction in Abuja. He said they condemned the zoning of key National Assembly leadership positions, adding that the unguarded utterances by politicians, religious leaders and ethnic groups must stop, to avoid inciting violence in Nigeria. He added that all politicians should stick to the legal process for seeking redress.

Malomo noted that the organisation is focused on promotion of democratic governance, human rights and civic engagement in Nigeria, and said CGDCP has observed elections since 2007 to encourage transparency and accountability in election monitoring, with support from its global network.

A panelist and executive director, Digicivic Initiative, Mojirayo Ogunlana said that the rule of law must always be superior to any other rule, pointing out that according to section 14:3 of the Constitution 1999 as amended, federal character has to be taken into consideration.

She said women representation is also relevant and as such competent women should also be considered for key positions in the Assembly.

On his part, a scholar, Aliyu Ikaro, urged the citizens to put national interest ahead of personal interests while also adding that focus should be on merit, competence, capacity and character of candidates.