As the crisis in the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) deepens over the zoning formula adopted for the election next Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Members-elect, on Tuesday night, endorsed the APC’s choice for the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.
The decision of the newly elected members, who cut across different political parties, on the auspices of ‘New Dawn’ was conveyed in a communique after a marathon meeting which lasted for several hours.
The group also called on Nigerians to jettison the perception that the 10th National Assembly has been hijacked by the incoming APC led-executive arm of government, adding that the decision to throw its weight behind the adoption of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives respectively, was taken in the best interest of the country and Nigerians.
They also noted that they were determined to ensure a robust legislative engagement on the floor of the 10th Assembly, which would promote democratic growth in the country as well as politics of inclusiveness.
In the communique read by the Convener of the group, who is one of the members-elect for Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo State, who also doubles as the outgoing Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun (PDP), the group said the position was taken after wide consultations with stakeholders across board.
The communique reads in part: “We, the members of the New Dawn Caucus of the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives, having reviewed the composition of the 10th Assembly vis a vis the need for an inclusive leadership which wilt give a sense of belonging to all members irrespective of their political parties and length of time in the House hereby resolves as follows: