The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives Members-Elect have emphasized that competence and suitability, not zoning, will determine the leadership of the lower chambers in the 10th National Assembly. At a strategic meeting of the Northern Caucus of the PDP Members-Elect in Abuja, the newly elected federal legislators observed that the quality of legislative input drives policy initiation and execution, which only capable and experienced legislative leadership can guarantee. They cautioned political parties to be sensitive to the nation’s needs and ensure that the 10th National Assembly does not become a lamedog in the hands of the executive arm of government.
The Members-Elect agreed to work together to ensure that competent persons occupy leadership positions in the lower chamber of the apex legislature. They acknowledged that effective oversight and implementation of government policies require a sound and effective legislative leadership, which traditional zoning has often retarded growth and development of democratic ideas. They urged themselves to keep the vision and work towards recruiting vibrant leadership when the national assembly is inaugurated.
Senator Usman Bayero Nafada, the former deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, congratulated the Members-Elect and informed them that the secret to legislative success and performance is unity. He charged them to familiarize themselves with one another as they prepare towards inauguration and ensure that they think together all the time for the progress of the nation.
The meeting was well-attended by almost all the PDP Northern Caucus members who are in high spirits to make a difference in the 10th assembly. As an opposition with a significant number, they vowed to work together in unity with other minority members from other political parties to ensure that eligibility, competence, and merit take precedence in the choice of leadership of the 10th assembly. They emphasized that a sound and effective legislative leadership is what is needed in a democracy to sustain or midwife positive change
