A multi-party forum of the eight political parties that won seats into the House of Representatives have pledged to work with the majority All Progressives Party (APC) on the zoning of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House.
Tagged “Joint Task – 10th Assembly”, the political parties that make up the forum are the APC, the 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).
Speaking during the inauguration of the forum on Tuesday, its Chairman, Hon Usman Bello Kumo of the APC said the issue at stake was the leadership of the incoming 10th House.
Kumo said they do not have any preferred aspirants for the office of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
His words, “The ‘Joint Task – 10th Assembly’ seeks to, among others, promote the independence of the legislature, inter-dependence of the legislature and executive, legislation for good governance and grassroots impact, constituency outreach, equity and fairness among ranking and new members, as well as ensuring unity, equity and fairness in the emergence of Presiding and Principal Officers in line with best parliamentary practice.
“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 aspirants 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, without compromising our independence.
“Let me emphasize in conclusion that our concern is Nigeria’s Unity and the Stability of the 10th House of Representatives. I thank you very much for your time, and we hope you will work with us to make our country better.”
Kumo did not disclose the number of members that make up the forum. The forum has Hon Kingsley Chinda of the PDP as its co-chairman, while Aliyu Madaki of the NNPP would serve as its secretary among others.