We’re NOT under external influence on selection of standing committees, says reps panel

The house of representatives says it is not under pressure to appoint leaders of standing committees.

In June, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, set up seven ad-hoc committees to ensure the smooth running of the house, pending the constitution of standing committees.

The seven ad-hoc committees include the selection committee, which is responsible for the task of constituting the standing committee of the house.

The selection committee is being chaired by the speaker and assisted by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker.

In a statement on Sunday, Ikenga Ugochinyere, member representing Ideato federal constituency, said reports that the leadership of the house is being influenced by external forces on the selection of standing committees is false.

Ugochinyere, who is the deputy chairperson, special ad-hoc committee on media, said members of the selection committee are doing their best to appoint leaders for the green chamber standing committees.

“I assure you, the reports going around social media that the leadership is under external influence or pressure over appointment of chairmanship and deputy chairmanship of its standing committees are false. It’s not true at all,” he said.

“Mr Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen had last month constituted a selection committee to recommend members for appointment as members of house standing committees.

“The selection committee, which is headed by him, has one member each from the 36 States.

“The committee members are competent and they are doing their job with fairness and justice in mind.

“So I appeal to the masses to disregard any report of external influence or pressure, and allow the committee members do their job.”