NASS leadership tussle: Expert cautions against external interference
By Aluta News
The Managing Director of African Centre for Development Studies (ADSC) Mr Victor Oluwafemi has advised against external interference in the elections of the leadership of the 10th Assembly.
Oluwafemi who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday said there was need to have a stable parliament to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
It could be recalled that the All Progressive Congress (APC) endorsed Sen. Godswill Akpobio as President of the Senate and Rep. Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker of the house.
Oluwafemi said that the outcome of the various meetings with the key contestants seems not to be yielding expected positive results.
According to him, the drumbeats so far from the Senate is not looking too good; if not adequately addressed, we may have a heavily lopsided NASS leadership.
Oluwafemi who had been a consultant to NASS for almost two decades said that the leadership tussle at the House of Representatives will breed unwarranted dissents in the 10th House and other arms of government.
He said it could lead to delay in lawmaking and other legislative functions like budget considerations, oversight and effective representation.
Oluwafemi pleaded with all stakeholders to look beyond the rhetorics and do the needful before President Bola Tinubu proclamation next week.
“So far, the idea of a consensus candidate is not flying in both apex legislative chambers and this is a signal that all may not be too well if adequate consultation is not made before proclamation.
“As President-elect and an inaugurated President, Tinubu has met with critical stakeholders the coast is becoming more cloudy,” he said.
Oluwafemi said that there an urgent need for the coast to be clearer at least 72hours before the proclamation.
According to him, this will restore total confidence in the lawmakers-elect as 24hours in politics could become a milestone at the end of the day.
He said that the personal ambitions of aspirants for the leadership of the 10th Assemble should be trumped by inclusive governance and progressive principles.