‘Selfish agenda of a few’ — reps-elect reject Abbas’ nomination for speakership

Some members-elect in the house of representatives have kicked against the nomination of Tajudeen Abbas for the position of speaker in the 10th assembly.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) had nominated Abbas and Benjamin Kalu as its preferred candidates for the positions of speaker and deputy speaker respectively.

The reps-elect on the platform of the Nationalists Forum on Thursday called on the party to review the decision.

In a statement, Philip Agbese, an APC rep-elect from Benue and coordinator of the group, said it is undemocratic for the APC to zone the national assembly leadership positions without proper consultation.

Agbese said the “insensitive, flawed, and unattainable” decision should be rescinded because “it is not in the best interest of Nigerians”.

He added that the lawmakers must be allowed to elect someone competent to lead them.

“We want to align ourselves with all the speakership aspirants who have rejected the zoning arrangements as a mere charade targeted at rubbishing the institution of our democracy in particular and our democracy in general,” the statement reads.

“It is shameful that after over two decades of return to civil rule, our democracy is still a joke. We are a laughing stock. The APC imposing candidates on legislators is the last straw.

“We won’t be coerced into accepting the selfish agenda of a few. Nigeria is bigger than these individuals.

“Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has spoken in condemnation of this debacle. Other men of goodwill including APC stalwarts must rise above party affiliation to condemn this shameful act.”

Agbese said the forum includes members from different political parties, adding that they are consulting with relevant stakeholders to decide on who to support for the number four position in the country.