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By Gabriel Okoro, Abuja
A group of old and serving members of the House of Representatives under the auspices of Faculty Board of Initiatives on Wednesday adviced federal lawmakers to elect their choice leaders in both chambers of the upcoming assembly on the ground of country’s constitution supremacy rather than political party supremacy.
The group led by the ‘Dean Faculty’ ,Eseme Eyibo, ex- spokesman and chairman House committee on Public Affairs of the 6th House of Representatives, at a media briefing in Abuja, warned that the legislature should be allowed to choose its leadership.
Eyibo stressed that the country can be great and democracy evolving, if separation of powers, independence of legislature is allowed, even though parties may associate with their sentiments.
He argued that party supremacy and loyalty as has been canvassed, cannot be far above constitutional supremacy, which provides how the parties are formed and the independence of the various arms and the legislature .
Earlier in his address, Eyibo explained that in the current democratic system of government, where the rule of law prevails, it is the legislature as provided by section 4 of the constitution that make laws and as such, a critical arm of government in the tripod.
The ex- member of the House accompanied by his colleagues, Blessing Alapa, Chris Eta, Ibrahim Buba and a serving member, Chukwuemeka Ujam, argued therefore that if government or the three arms must stand in a tripod arrangement, then the legislature should be allowed to choose its Leadership.
According to him, in such critical contest, stakeholders must begin a talent hunt to get the best, especially for the positions of Senate President, Speaker House of Representatives.
He noted that history can vindicate past succession challenges, specifically from the times of Ghali Nabba, Dimeji Bankole, Aminu Tambuwal and the current speaker, Yakubu Dogara where the independence of the Legislature played a role, cautioning that such precedence cannot be jettisoned or allowed not to be the norm.
His words: “History, from Nabba up to Dogara is very consistent” he added, pointing that the general interest of a particular candidate and the independence of the Legislature have often being uppermost in the heart of the lawmakers in choosing their leaders.
” interest of members, separation of powers and independence of legislature are something very consistent “
The group added that whoever is interested in becoming speaker, or any leadership position in the National Assembly must be acceptable, galvanise interest of members , noting also that all political parties are stakeholder in choosing the principal parties, instead of the whims and caprice of one political party.
Fielding answers to newsmen, the group said religion does not play a role in the choice of principal officers, provided the candidates are acceptable to their colleagues and they are allowed to choose freely without external influences and entanglements
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