The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ahmad Lawan

  • Lawan: Battle for Senate President not a do-or-die affair

    Senate Leader, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday said his battle for the Senate Presidency is not a do-or-die affair.

    He also unfolded plans to devote three months to budget consideration if he is elected as the Senate President.

    He said he will ensure the 9th National Assembly returns the nation to January-December budget timeline.

    He said an effective budget cycle will be put in place in a manner that President Muhammadu Buhari will assent to budget on or before December 31st.

    Lawan unfolded his plans when he met with Bureau Chiefs in Abuja against the backdrop of fierce contest for Senate Presidency.

    He said: “The simple answer is it is not. We contested for this thing in 2015 and it was the will of God that I will not be Senate President and you will bear me witness that that did not stop me from going to the National Assembly to participate in activities of the Senate.

    “I continued to represent my people as a committee Chairman on Defence and I conducted myself as such and eventually I was elected the Senate leader and I continued to serve as Senate leader to date.

    “Most of us believe that God Almighty that created us also has designed our lives from cradle to grave and I believe in that.

    “So, it is not a do or die affair and I believe that should we not make it, that will not stop us from working to represent our people, do our oversight, to legislate for the good governance of this country, to support the Senate and the National Assembly and to support Mr. President to deliver the campaign promises of the APC as a political party.  We are going to do that regardless. So, it is not a do -or- die affair.

    On budgeting crisis in Nigeria, Lawan pledged to resolve it with a three-month consideration plan.

    Read Also: Every senator will count under my watch – Lawan

    He said out of the three months, a month will be devoted to budget defence by Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    He added: “Even though the budgeting issue varies from time to time, sometimes the crisis may be for three months, four months and sometimes seven months.

    “We believe that we can turn this around with the right attitude and it takes the two sides of government in this case the National Assembly and the Executive arm of government.

    “Our approach in the National Assembly will be that we will talk amongst ourselves, we will tell ourselves that we want to pass a budget within three months.  If we agree on that, then we will also have to agree on how we will achieve that.

    “First, we should not leave the Shores of Nigeria for anything unless it is health problem. We must stay around, ensure we have a timeframe for budget defence.

    “When I say timeframe, I mean we will devote one whole month for budget defence, not plenary unless it becomes absolutely necessary.

    “We will approach the Executive arm of government and discuss things with them.

    “For Mr. President, there will be nothing more that will gladden his heart than having a budget passed within three months and I am sure it is the same for Nigerians.

    “It will be a huge relief if we can achieve it. So, we will tell the Executive arm of government that no Minister, no chief executive officer of any MDA should leave this country unless it is absolutely necessary and inevitable without defending his or her budget or the budget of the ministry.

    “That one month window should be the only window for budget defence. If any Minister or any chief executive officer fails without cogent reasons to defend the budget of the ministry, then that window will be shut and the National Assembly should treat that proposal as it deems fits with all the necessary safeguards to ensure that there is no abuse.

    “After the budget defence, we should have two solid months to have all the analysis we need,  all the subcommittee will meet for their defence with the sub-committees in the House and the Senate and it is our hope and desire that before the Christmas break of the National Assembly,  the budget should be sent to Mr. President  for assent.

    “We believe that this is doable and achievable. All we require is the will. I am sure every one of us in the 9th Senate and House of Representatives will have this kind of feeling that what we need to give to Nigerians is to set this budget issue right.”

    He went on: “In fact, we should attempt to make the budget cycle  1st January- 31st December because this is important for our businesses in this country and outside Nigeria.

    “We should have 12 calendar month of budget presentation because that will translate into massive infrastructure development, provision of services across the country for citizens. So, this is the way we intend to go”.

    Responding to a question, Lawan said: “Our mission is to have a Senate and the National Assembly that work for Nigerians.

    “What do Nigerians want today? They want to have an improvement in the security of their lives; an economy that works for everyone and they want corruption brought down to its knees. Nigerians want to live in peace with one another.”

    Concerning transparency and the independence of the legislature, Lawan added: “I believe that we have to work together with the Executive with mutual respect and address the challenges that confront Nigerians today.

    “Where we differ, we are going to resolve such issues in a very credible and respectful manner.

    “We are not going to go into the market square to throw stones recklessly and we believe that there is interdependence between both arms and such would be respected

    “We believe the openness which has been introduced by National Assembly should be continued and that would make us to function as representatives properly.”

  • Buhari to tell Goje, Ndume: Lawan is APC’s candidate

    President Muhammadu Buhari may hold a “frank” meeting with two of the three aspirants for Senate President  – Sen. Danjuma Goje and Sen. Ali Ndume — on the adoption of Senate Leader Ahmad Lawan for the office.

    The All Progressives Congress(APC) is working towards a lone candidate for the job.

    Lawan yesterday intensified lobbying of senators-elect from the opposition, especially those from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

    The main issue between the APC team and the PDP  senators-elect has been the mode of voting during the inauguration of the Senate in June.

    There are indications that a block vote by PDP senators may not be possible.

    According to sources, the President decided to intervene in the race for Senate president to avoid APC going into the battle as a divided house.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The President will meet with Goje and Ndume to explain to them the rationale behind the adoption of Lawan as the party’s candidate for Senate president.

    “Some of the aspirants have claimed that Buhari has not stated where he stands on the matter. In order not to take things for granted, the President has decided to hold a frank session with Goje and Ndume.

    “ The meeting will hold at or before the weekend. But after the dialogue, the President and the party may then draw the battle line if the two aspirants do not want to respect the supremacy of APC.

    “We hope reason will prevail and these aspirants will leave the party united.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “The Presidency and the APC are working towards the emergence of one candidate for the Office of the President of the Senate. This is the maximum Buhari and other leaders may tolerate.”

    A member of Lawan’s campaign team said after the meeting with more senators-elect from the opposition, especially the PDP, the Senate Leader was trying to consolidate the gains made “by building confidence and trust”.

    “There are some prejudices and fears  we have succeeded in addressing to allay misgivings by our colleagues,” he said, pleading not to be named because he is not permitted to talk on the issue.

    The source spoke on the mode of voting during the inauguration of the National Assembly on June 6.

    “Those in APC are adamant on open voting and some senators-elect in the opposition have stuck to secret ballot system. We are confident that we shall all be on the same page before the inauguration,” he said.

    PDP senators-elect are not likely to vote same way.

    One said: “I think because of certain interests peculiar to some of us, block voting might be difficult for PDP. We do not have the number to dominate the Senate and if Lawan wins, those opposed to him might not get befiting committees.

    “So, in casting votes for any candidate, you have to align the interest of the party with the overriding interest of your constituents who are demanding the dividends of democracy. Some of us are not going to the Senate to be bench warmers.”

    Read also: Senate leadership: APC governors step in

    Also yesterday,  a Joint Consultative Forum of Northern Youth Groups dismissed  the insinuations that Lawan  would be remote-controlled by unseen hands if elected as Senate president.

    It described the allegation as  ”false and cheap blackmail”.

    The forum hailed the senator as “a man of integrity, whose consistency in vying for Senate president is in line with his belief in the independence of legislature”.

    In a communiqué jointly signed by the forum’s Director of Media and Publication and Chairperson of the  communiqué Committee, Isah Imam Muhammed and Zainab Aliyu Sabon-Birni, the forum said among all the contending senators, only Lawan possesses  leadership trait which can help Nigeria.

    The forum said: “It is pertinent to state that Senator Lawan cannot be anybody’s stooge as a Senate President.”

    “We appeal  to other aspirants to see reason and rally round Lawan who has the capacity to lead the 9th Senate for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “ Lawan enjoys a lot of respect from the Executive arm of government, which is a good signal of a harmonious working relationship between the two arms of government in the next dispensation. ”As youths of Nigeria who are critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project, our support for Senator Lawan is predicated on our belief that he will serve as a bridge that will unite the Senate, irrespective of party leaning.

    ”We believe he will deploy his experience and goodwill to bring about harmonious working relationship within and among all arms of government in the next dispensation in the interest of national unity, peace and development.”

     

  • Niger APC, leaders ditch Bago for Gbajabiamila, Lawan

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and elected members of the House of Representatives in Niger State have dashed the hope of the member representing Chachanga Constituency, Mohammed Bago, to become the Speaker.

    At a meeting on Monday evening by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, the state APC said it was supporting Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House of Representatives and Ahmed Lawan as Senate President.

    Bago is one of the key contenders for the speakership position of the Ninth House of Representatives.

    Niger State’s APC Chairman Jibril Imam said the state decided to follow the stance of the party and its national leadership on who emerge leaders of the Ninth Assembly.

    “Going by what happened during the Eighth National Assembly, the party, at all levels, decided to reach a middle ground to enable us present a formidable front on the matter,” he said.

    Imam said the meeting was a follow-up to an earlier one in Abuja by the party’s state chairmen and governors from the Northcentral states.

    The chairman said the Minna meeting was attended by serving and elected members from the state who unanimously adopted the two candidates.

    He added that the endorsement was to avert the reoccurrence of what happened in the Eighth Assembly, which slowed down national progress in the last four years.

    “We are loyal party members and have resolved to toe the position of the party by endorsing Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan as the Senate President of the Ninth Assembly and Femi Gbajabiamila as the Speaker of the Ninth Assembly.

    “Our experience in the Eighth Assembly is not palatable and it has slowed down our progress in the last four years. We don’t want a repeat of that,” Imam said.

    On behalf of the elected members of the House of Representatives in Niger State, Abdullahi Mahmud, representing Agaie/Lapai Constituency, said the adoption of the duo was an affirmation of party supremacy.

     

     

  • 9th NASS: North-Central govs endorse Lawan, Gbajabiamila

    The race for the leadership of the 9th National Assembly leadership hot up yesterday with the

    All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and party state chairmen from the North-Central on Thursday endorsed the choices of Dr. Ahmad Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila for Senate President and Speaker.

     The endorsement was done at a closed-door meeting of stakeholders from the zone at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.

    The meeting was presided over by the Plateau State Governor, Rt Hon. Simon Lalong.

    According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to Plateau State Governor on Media and Publicity, Mark Longyen, the session lasted one hour.

    Addressing newsmen, Lalong said:  “A meeting of governors and the party chairmen from North- Central on Thursday resolved to go along with the decision of the party’s endorsement of Senator Ahmed Lawan as Senate President and Hon Femi Gbajabiamila as the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 9th National Assembly.

    “Since it was a party affair, our decision was in line with the wish of the party and that is why we the governors and state chairmen of our party from the zone are in support of the decision of the party”.

    Read also: 9th NASS leadership: Buhari host reps elect to dinner

    When asked what the zone stands to gain in the power-sharing formula, Lalong said: “We are still deliberating. We have not exhausted the positions with respect to zoning.

    “Our decision and position are only on two issues, while the rest delibrations are ongoing.

    “There is going to be a continuation of our meeting in respect of positions to the North Central with both Mr. President and the party”.

    The meeting had in attendance Lalong, his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Sani Bello; Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura and Benue State APC governorship candidate, Barrister Emmanuel Jime.

    State APC Chairmen in attendance were Engr. Jibrin Imam of Niger State; his Kogi State counterpart Alhaji Abdullahi Bello; Nasarawa State’s Philips Shekwo; Chief Letep Dabang of Plateau State, Comrade Abba Yaro of Benue State as well as the FCT’s Abdullahi Usman.

  • Jostle for Senate President assumes a new dimension

    The race for the Senate Presidency is getting exciting by the day. Yesterday two former Senate Presidents, ex-Speaker, ex-PDP governors backed the ambition of Senator Ahmed Lawan, who promised an independent legislature; Borno elders denied endorsing any candidate, and some All Progressives Congress (APC) youths urged the party to take all zones seriously. Yusuf Alli, Gbade Ogunwale and Onyedi Ojiabor report.

    Two ex-Senate Presidents,

    ex-Speaker, ex-PDP

    governors back Lawan

     

    The jostle for the Office of the Senate President assumed a new dimension yesterday following the backing of the Senate Leader, Dr Ahmad Lawan by two former Presidents of the Senate and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    Some former governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have also joined the push for Lawan.

    But Lawan and members of his campaign team yesterday met with more Senators-elect to explain their agenda of a United National Assembly.

    According to an investigation by our correspondent, the two ex-Senate Presidents, ex-Speaker and former PDP governors (names withheld) were said to be backing Lawan based on principles and the “need for a more robust legislature.”

    A few of the ex-governors hinged their support on “personal relationship they have had with Lawan irrespective of the position of their party.”

    The affected former chairmen of the National Assembly have “rated Lawan as a lawmaker with enormous legislative experience.”

    It was learnt that some of the foot soldiers of the ex-Senate Presidents had been meeting with Senators-elect to woo them for Lawan.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “The mandate given to Lawan and other APC lawmakers to reach out to top leaders and members of the opposition has started yielding results.

    “At least two former Senate Presidents, a former Speaker,  about three ex-PDP governors and some former ministers during the 16-year administration of PDP have joined forces with Lawan. They believe that Lawan’s choice will be better for the upper chamber.

    “These leaders have directed their supporters and loyalists to serve as lobbyists for Lawan because of the “need for a more robust legislature. They believe the Senate is derailing and losing its maturity.

    “At the appropriate time, all these leaders will publicly unveil their support for Lawan.”

    But Lawan yesterday had an audience with more Senators-elect from PDP in Abuja on how to have a united Senate and National Assembly.

    He pleaded with the Senators-elect to “rise above partisanship and give him a chance to lead the National Assembly.

    One of the PDP Senators-elect said: “Lawan actually assured us of fairness, equity and justice. We are happy that he is promising that there will be no discrimination.

    “So far, we are all weighing options because Sen. Ali Ndume has met with some of us too. Although our party is yet to come up with a position on the 9th Senate Presidency, this one-on-one initiative of Lawan has given us the opportunity to know who he is. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it.”

    Continue in page 2

  • Senate presidency: Lawan ‘ll ensure all-inclusive Senate, says Abdullahi

    SENATE Committee on Media and Public Affairs Chairman Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi yesterday assured that Senator Ahmad Lawan as Senate President will ensure an all-inclusive upper chamber, irrespective of political party leaning.

    Abdullahi, who is also the spokesperson Ahmad Lawan for Senate President, assured that the Senate Leader would garner the votes of more than 73 senators on the day of inauguration.

    He told reporters in Abuja that the aspiration of Lawan is to have a Senate that would work for Nigeria and Nigerians.

    The senator said Lawan has been working assiduously to talk to senators-elect across party lines on why he should be elected.

    Abdullahi noted that given the track record of Senator Lawan in his 16 years of being in the National Assembly, the Yobe North senator understands the feelings of the opposition “because he was one of them before and he will not abuse that privilege”.

    He said the notion by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senators that they would be excluded, should be withdrawn forthwith.

    What they were planning to do, he said, is to have a Senate that would be for all senators.

    Read also: Senate set to override Buhari’s veto on two bills

    Abdullahi said: “Senator Ahmad Lawan is leaving no stone unturned in talking to his colleagues across party lines. Let me say very clearly that the nature of parliament is such that you cannot shut anybody out. It is not possible.

    “I want Nigerians to look at those of us who are the actors and take note of what we say. That is the most important thing. I want to submit and assure Nigerians that by the special grace of God, if Senator Ahmad Lawan gets there, he will run an all-inclusive government because the Senate is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    But, a group of youths in the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the auspices of the APC Youths Solidarity Network yesterday urged the party’s leadership and the Presidency to throw open the position of the Senate President to all elected senators from the Northeast geopolitical zone.

    The group said this will ensure equity justice and fair play.

    Addressing a news conference in Abuja yesterday, the group said the party must take concrete steps to avoid the mistakes of 2015.

    It alleged that anointing the Senate Leader, as the Senate President would not augur for the party.

    They alleged that Senate Lawan is currently hobnobbing with members of the opposition PDP, promising the positions in the 9th Senate, adding that while they believe that he has the right to aspire to the seat, the senators should be allowed to choose their leaders.

    Spokesman of the youths, Shuaibu Usman,  claimed that as stakeholders in the Nigerian project and having worked for the success of the party, they believe that President Muhammadu Buhari deserves a National Assembly that will not sabotage his second term in office.

  • Lawan will run inclusive Senate, says Abdullahi

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, on Wednesday assured Senator Ahmad Lawan Presidency will be all inclusive irrespective of political and party leanings.

    Abudllahi, who is also the spokesperson Ahmad Lawan for Senate Presidency, assured that Lawan would garner the votes of more than 73 senators on the day of inauguration.

    He told reporters in Abuja that the aspiration of Lawan is to have a Senate that will work for Nigeria and Nigerians.

    He said that Lawan has been working assiduously to talk to senators-elect across party lines on why he should be elected.

    Abdullahi noted that given the track record of Senator Lawan in his 16 years of being in the National Assembly, the Yobe North senator understands the feelings of the opposition “because he was one of them before and he will not abuse that privilege.”

    Read Also: Lawan and the quest for NASS leadership

    He said the notion by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators that they would be excluded should be withdrawn forthwith.

    What they were planning to do, he said, is to have a Senate that will be for all senators.

    Abdullahi said: “Senator Ahmad Lawan is leaving no stone unturned in talking to his colleagues across party lines. Let me say very clearly that the nature of parliament is such that you cannot shut anybody out. It is not possible.

    “I want Nigerians to look at those of us who are the actors and take note of what we say. That is the most important thing.

    “I want to submit and assure Nigerians that by the special grace of God, if Senator Ahmad Lawan gets there, he will run an all- inclusive government because the Senate is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The 109 senators are individual senators representing the various senatorial districts in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They have inalienable rights to be heard and listened to for government to work for them no matter our differences and no matter the sentiments that we share.

    “When we took our oath of office, we pledged not to allow personal interest to override the public interest.

    “Let me say very clearly that our aspiration is to have the senate that works for Nigeria.

    “I know that given the track records of Senator Lawan in his 16 years of being in the National Assembly, he understands the feelings of the opposition because he was one of them before and he will not abuse that privilege.

    “The notion from the PDP side that they would be excluded should be withdrawn forthwith. What we are planning to do is to have a senate that will be for all senators.

    “I can confirm to you that on the day of inauguration, Senator Ahmad Lawan will garner more than two third of the votes.

    “Not less than 73 from both the APC and the PDP. It is a matter of engagement. We don’t need to flaunt those who are with us. We have to respect our colleagues.

    “We are engaging them one-on-one. We want to work together with the executive because we have just one Federal Government in Nigeria and we must move the country forward.

    “We are talking to our colleagues, working on our colleagues who will vote on the floor of the Senate on the day of inauguration.

    “By the grace of God, so far so good, we are very much convinced, based on the reception that is being accorded during our campaigns.

    “We have been able to reach a lot of our colleagues except those who are outside the country.”

  • Senate Presidency: Lawan steps up campaign in states

    Leading candidate for the Senate Presidency, Dr. Ahmad Lawan took his campaign for the post to Borno State yesterday where he met with stakeholders on his agenda for the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

    Simultaneously, all the three Senators-elect from Niger State yesterday pledged their support for his aspiration, 24 hours after a similar endorsement by the three senators elect from Kano State.

    It was gathered that some supporters of the other aspirants for the post – Alhaji Ali Ndume and Alhaji Danjuma Goje – might be willing to push for talks with the Lawan camp with a  view to reaching a compromise in the interest of their  party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Sources said Lawan and his group are leaving nothing to chances this time around so that they are not caught napping as they were in 2015

    They are reaching out to as many groups and individuals who may have a say in who leads the 9th Senate.

    The Senator elect from Ekiti South, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has urged the leadership of the APC to open discussions with Ndume and Goje  to assuage their feelings.

    Lawan’s campaign team, The Nation learnt, is concluding talks with a key aspirant from Northeast, a development which may pave the way for a sole candidate for the headship of the legislature.  Discussions were held last week in Abuja and “initial interactions show that in the coming weeks both camps will have cheering news to announce to APC leadership and Senators-elects.”

    A source said an area being ironed out borders on the fact that once the aspirant drops out of the race, he will not be in contention for any principal officer position since both Senators are from the same geo-political zones.

    A source at the meeting said: “In the light of the political reality, he came with a request that he should be given the Chairmanship of Appropriations Committee for the consideration of Senator Lawan and his camp.”

    Lawan’s men, it was learnt, pleaded for time to consult widely on the aspirant’s conditions. To this effect, the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been briefed.

    Lawan is the best choice to lead the 9th Senate – Niger Senators-elect

    In endorsing him  yesterday the three senators elect from Niger State said their decision  followed  due consultations and considerations and in recognition of the supremacy of our Party’s position on the matter.

    Mohammed Sani Musa,  Sabi Abdullahi and  Muhammad Bima Enagi said in a statement in Minna that Lawan has the competence, charisma and integrity to preside over the affairs of the Senate.

    The Senators submitted that the 9th National Assembly needs someone like Lawan’s leadership qualities that will facilitate in making laws for the good governance.

    “His display of honesty, sincerity of purpose, respect for divergent views, loyalty to and believe in party supremacy as well as proven experience in the business of lawmaking makes him the obvious choice for the legislature’s top job”, they said.

    Sani Musa said:”There is no doubt that Senator Lawan has also demonstrated stability, reliability and fidelity towards ensuring sound and people-oriented legislation at the Senate as he demonstrated in the build-up to the 2019 general elections where despite the pressure from the opposition, remained resolute and committed towards promoting the good course of the Senate as the apex law-making organ in the country.

    “It is also worth noting that Distinguished Senator Lawan is one Nigerian who has remained detribalized, bi-partisan and accommodating to varying views as long as they are positive and can add to the growth and wellbeing of Nigerians.

    “He has demonstrated this in his support for legislations sponsored by lawmakers who might not have been in the same political parties with him at the floor of the senate.

    Sabi Abdullahi representing  Niger North Senatorial District said he was optimistic that Lawan would “promote homogeneity of purpose at the 9th Senate and foster unity among distinguished senators as well as other arms of government, in a manner that will add value to good governance in Nigeria.

    “I believe he embodies outstanding qualities that are germane to the success of the 9th Senate and the government as a whole. Therefore, I join my colleagues in endorsing his Senate Presidency ambition.”

    Muhammad Bima Enagi representing Niger South said:” the need for effective, selfless and patriotic leadership at the Senate has become imperative. I believe therefore that our party, the ruling APC decision to endorse Distinguished Senator Ahmed Lawan for the Presidency of the Senate is a wise and timely decision that has great benefits not only for the party but for the next phase of governance as a whole in the country.”

    Adeyeye wants  APC to discuss with Ndume, Goje, others

    Senator-elect Dayo Adeyeye (Ekiti South), said yesterday that it was important for the APC to dialogue with Ndume  and Goje in the interest of everyone.

    He told reporters in Abuja that the APC should strike a balance between its interest and the feelings of those who might not be favoured in the selection of process.

    “It is a matter of give and take. I think the leadership of the party should do well to assuage the feelings of those who might not have been favoured in the selection process by inviting them and let them see reasons,” he said.

    “The interest of the party is more important than individual interests. When we fight for, and protect the collective interests, individual privileges and interests can still be met”.

    Adeyeye acknowledged the right of Ndume and Goje to aspire to be Senate President since they are members of the APC and more so when the position had been zoned to their geopolitical zone, adding that, “However, I think we can always find compromise”

    He cautioned the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against fielding candidates for the President of the Senate and Deputy President of the Senate, saying doing so would negate the ethics and norms of parliamentary practice and procedure.

    The first time senator, who was the spokesman for the PDP until December 2018, cited the example of the United States where the Republican Party, with only a slim majority over the Democrats still controls the American parliament.

    “In America as we speak today, the Republicans are in the majority with three or four senators over the Democrats in the Senate and yet nobody in the minority party ever contemplated nominating any of their members to become the leader of majority.

    “Because that will be against the ethics and the norms of parliamentary practice and procedure. After 20 years of democracy, we should start experimentation. By now we should start a proper culture, ethics and norms of the advanced democracy

    “We should be able to do what the public expect should be the outcome of an election. Nigerians have given the APC majority of the seats in the Senate, they therefore expect the APC to control the Senate

    “Nobody should therefore try to subvert the will of the people by trying to play any game or causing any division even among the majority party such that the will of the people, freely expressed at the polls, could be subverted.

    “I do not expect any member of the PDP to come out and contest for leadership positions meant for the party with the majority seats on the day of inauguration of the Ninth National Assembly.

    “All contestants on that day should be APC members. Since Nigerians deliberately voted for the APC to constitute the majority in the nation’s parliament with about 64 senators, the contest for the leadership positions should be within the APC.

    “The PDP should not interfere in it. The opposition party should not produce any candidate and its members should not contest on that day.

    “That is the practice in the advanced democracies. No minority party plays any game to take over the majority when it did not win the highest number of seats during the general elections.

    “Even if the APC is presenting the three senators to contest for Senate President, I do not expect that the PDP will try to take  advantage of the situation by sponsoring one of its members to contest the position.

    “We don’t want such attitude in the Senate anymore. I think by now, we should have rules and develop proper democratic norms and values that would prevent us from doing what is not expected of us as a party and as members of a party”.

    The senator-elect cautioned APC members contesting for the position of Senate President against picking a member of the opposition PDP as candidate for Deputy Senate President just to leverage on bloc votes expected from PDP senators.

    Read also: Osun Guber: Appeal Court dismisses suit against Adeleke

    “I do not expect a person contesting the seat of Senate President to make a member of the opposition party, his deputy in order to win the election. That would be a total betrayal. I expect that the party with the majority seats should produce the presiding officers and the principal officers meant for the ruling party.

    Meanwhile, a group, the Society for Grassroots Political Participation, has urged adherence to international best practices in deciding the leadership of both the National Assembly.

    The group, in a communiqué after its meeting, said adherence to internationally-recognised best practices would save the country from the sad experience of the outgoing National Assembly.

    The communiqué released in Ibadan and signed by Executive Secretary, Sewaola Johnson, and the External Communication Officer, Musbau Alade, urged senators-elects, Reps-elect and political parties to ensure that “the foundation blocks on which other programme and activities of the legislature are cemented by proven parliamentary experience”.

    It asked political parties to “put forward experience parliamentarians for the leadership of our National Assembly. Being a returning parliamentarian is not enough. Consideration must be accorded past legislative accomplishments of those to lead other distinguished Senators and honourable Representatives.”

     

  • Why we want Lawan as Senate President, by APC Governors

    Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have begun the battle to smoothen Senator Ahmad Lawan’s road to the Senate presidency.

    Some of them last night met in Abuja on how to push “the Lawan Agenda.” He is the party’s and President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice for the job.

    Lawan was at the meeting, which was said to be part of steps to keep APC caucuses united ahead of the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly.

    Last night’s meeting, The Nation learnt, was to:

    • sell Lawan’s candidature to all senators-elect, irrespective of political parties; and
    • debunk the notion that Lawan is being imposed.

    The meeting, which began at about 8pm, was still in progress as at 10.30pm.

    The list of the governors and others at the talks was kept under wraps.

    It was gathered that upon endorsement of Lawan by the party last Monday, the President mandated members to “sell the qualities of the nominee to Nigerians, especially senators-elect.”

    One of the organisers of the meeting, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “ The meeting was informed by the directive of the President to the governors to see the Lawan Agenda through in the interest of the country.

    “We want to change the narrative being sponsored by the opposition PDP  that Lawan’s choice and zoning amounted to imposition.

    “Most senators-elect may not be aware that the President actually raised an eight-man search team which recommended Lawan and a few others.

    “It was after weighing options that the President opted for Lawan. It is not a case of the Executive breathing down on senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives-elect.

    “The governors met with Lawan on how to project his inherent qualities, especially his rich legislative experience, and the need to build inter-party confidence/ collaboration before the 9th National Assembly is inaugurated.

    “We do not want the race for the office of the President of Senate to be beclouded by sentiments. This is the time of merit and we want to stick out our neck for these candidates we have recommended.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “The meeting will come up with strategies to reach out to all stakeholders on the Lawan project.”

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expecting Senator Danjuma Goje to set his terms for stepping down from the race for Senate President.

    Goje (Gombe Central), one of the leading aspirants for the job, is expected to quit the race for Dr. Ahmed Lawan, the Senate Leader who is being backed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President.

    Goje is believed to have visited Buhari with Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

    Details of their discussion remained unknown at the weekend, but a source said Goje was asked to state his terms for dropping his ambition. He is said to be willing to let go.

    Also in the race is Ali Ndume who is said to be planning to formally present a nine-point agenda this week.

    APC leaders are said to be persuading Ndume not to go against Lawan because “the President and the party have spoken.”

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “So far, the race is still open, despite the endorsement of Lawan by the party. The Presidency, APC, governors and national leaders of the party have been reaching out to senators-elect and the  two other aspirants (Goje and Ndume).

    “In fact, one of the governors, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, brokered last week’s talks between the President and Goje at the Presidential Villa.

    “At the session, Goje was asked to name his terms which are still being awaited. So far, Goje and Ndume have not stepped down.

    ”All the aspirants have been holding meetings with senators and senators-elect. The comforting aspect is that the APC, governors and our national leaders still have about two months for rapprochement before the inauguration of the Ninth Senate in June.”

    On Ndume, a Senator-elect said: “Although a strategist of the President has had audience with him, he is unrelenting in his ambition to contest for the seat.

    “As at Saturday, Ndume has presented his nine-point agenda to senators and senators-elect who are backing him.

    “The agenda will be presented to the public any time this week. What Ndume told his supporters was that if he is the only senator left in the race, he will vie for the office against Lawan. He said it is either he wins or loses.

    “He is embittered that after sticking out his neck to defend Buhari’s government, he is being sidelined. And he complained against the way the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, allegedly breathed down on senators-elect last Monday in the presence of the President on the choice of Lawan.”

    The opposition Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) may field candidates for Senate President and deputy Senate President if Goje and Ndume step down.

    A PDP senator-elect said: “At a meeting, we agreed to work with any of the aspirants not imposed by the APC. Some of us are discussing with both Goje and Ndume.

    “In one of the sessions with some PDP senators-elect, we insisted that if Goje and Ndume withdraw for Lawan, we will nominate candidates for Senate president and deputy president. We are not bound by the APC’s zoning formula.

    “Left to us, we want the Southeast to retain the office of the Deputy Senate President . We are thinking of either the present occupant, Chief Ike Ekweremadu and ex-Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, who is a ranking lawmaker, being a former member of the House of Representatives.”

  • NASS: APC moves against PDP plot to snatch 13 senators-elect

    • Opposition party targets APC men from Borno, Abia, Oyo, Gombe, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Ogun, Kogi, Sokoto, Imo

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched an audacious move to win to its side 13 All Progressives Congress (APC) Senators-elect as part of a grand design to hijack the leadership of the 9th Senate.

    But the alleged plot has  leaked to the APC which has launched a counter move of its own to avoid a repeat of the 2015 infiltration of its ranks in the National Assembly by the PDP, highly placed party sources said last night.

    The APC is in talks with all  its state governors and national leaders  to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s choices for the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the House who may be named this week.

    The party is determined to ensure that none of its members contests against APC’s official candidates for leadership positions in the Senate and the House of Representatives in June.

    Another option is a likely waive of the Standing Rules of the two chambers to allow open voting during the election of principal officers to monitor the loyalty of the party’s Senators-elect.

    Besides, the APC is discussing with some PDP Senators-elect with a view to giving them the   chairmanship of juicy committees.

    But some PDP leaders are targeting 13 ‘rebellious’ Senators-elect from the APC to produce the next President of the Senate, Deputy President of the Senate and other principal officers.

    If the PDP’s plan sails through it will have on its side about 56 votes for a majority decision leaving APC with 53.

    The PDP targets are Senators-elect from Borno, Oyo, Gombe, Bayelsa, Bauchi and Ogun states.

    The party is insisting that the Standing Rules do not expressly state that presiding officers must come from the ruling party.

    The opposition party said the fact that it has been a convention for the majority party to produce presiding officers does not make it legal or the norm.

    Following the APC’s endorsement of Dr. Ahmed Lawan for the position of Senate President,  the battle for the Deputy President of the Senate is hitting up between Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central ) and  the outgoing  Deputy Chief Whip of the Red Chamber, Senator  Alimikhena Asekhame (Edo North)..

    The outgoing Governor of Ogun State, Mr. Ibikunle Amosun is believed to have joined the race for Deputy Senate President even though it was not zoned to the Southwest.

    Investigation by The Nation  revealed that APC and PDP have been trying to outwit each other on the election of the new Senate President, Speaker and other officers.

    While the APC leadership and Dr. Lawan have been engaging Senators-elect on one-on-one talks, the PDP has been trying to mount pressure on most Senators-elect to resist what it has termed “imposition of principal officers” by the Executive.

    Sources said PDP’s agenda is to share power with the APC in the two chambers.

    A top source in APC, who spoke in confidence, said:  “The race is still open despite the fact that APC has made its position known and released its zoning formula for the Senate. We are expecting the party’s idea of power sharing in the House this week. What we are trying to do is to keep our caucus united in the two chambers.

    “But not all Senators-elect and House members-elect have bought into the party’s zoning formula. This is why we have sought the assistance of APC governors and national leaders to engage the new National Assembly members to avoid a repeat of 2015 episode which was plotted and sealed by the opposition.

    “Our main target is to assert our right as the party with the majority in the National Assembly to produce the new set of leaders.

    “We have already asked the nominee for Senate Presidency, Dr. Ahmad Lawan and some Senators-elect to meet with all Senators-elect on why APC must forge a common front. To us, delivering democratic dividends is more important than the sentiments being whipped up by the opposition.”

    Asked if the APC could  regain the control of the two chambers, the source added: “We want to speak with one voice this time around; we plan to present common candidates for all offices due to APC without counter-nominations; and we are also negotiating with PDP Senators-elect and House members-elect.

    “We will not underrate the opposition but we won’t let them have their way like the case in 2015. We are hopeful of getting the figures from APC and PDP members before the inauguration of the 9th Senate.

    A ranking Senator in PDP said: “We are really opposed to any plot to foist leaders on the two chambers. Our fears border on a possible rubber-stamp legislature.

    “Our position is that it is not mandatory for the principal officers of the Senate and the House to come from the party with a simple majority in the two chambers. This has been successfully proven in the 7th and 8th National Assembly.

    “And going by Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, the two chambers can come up with rules and regulations to guide its proceedings. The section says: ‘Subject to the provisions of this constitution. The Senate or the House of Representatives shall have power to regulate its own procedure, including the procedure for summoning and recess of the House.

    “The modes of voting can be by voice vote, signing of register in a division, electronic voting or even by secret ballot if it is the wish of the new members of the National Assembly.

    “So, if a PDP lawmaker will lead the Senate or the House better, let us go for him or her.”

    On the alleged plot by PDP to poach 13 APC Senators-elect in order to influence the election of new principal officers in the Senate, a party source said: “With 13 Senators-elect from APC teaming up with 43 PDP Senators-elect, we can comfortably elect independent-minded Senate President and other principal officers with 56-man strength.

    “We are discussing with some Senators-elect from Borno, Oyo, Gombe, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Ogun states.

    This is our target which we believe is realizable. We will field candidates for all available offices in the two chambers.”

    The race for the Office of the Deputy President of the Senate however took a new turn with the emergence of three contenders.

    The zoning of the position to the Southsouth has made it a close race for Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta) and the outgoing Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Alimikhena Asekhame from the Southsouth.

    But the outgoing Governor of Ogun State, Mr. Ibikunle Amosun was said to have joined the race for the Deputy Senate President even though it was not zoned to the Southwest.

    The outgoing President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, has been silent on whether he will vie for the office for a third term.

    A source said: “So far, three candidates have emerged from the APC but being a deft politician, Ekweremadu can spring a big surprise like he did in 2015. The zoning formula favours Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege(Delta) and  the outgoing  Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Alimikhena Asekhame from the Southsouth but if Amosun goes ahead with his ambition, it can redraw the permutations.

    “The zoning formula put in place by the APC is yet to favour the Southeast and the PDP will not mind reaching some accord which can make Ekweremadu to remain in office.”