The members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who
are now in the minority in the House of Representatives, may play a key
role in determining the new speaker.
The PDP now has about 140 legislators, compared to the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s over 200 legislators.
Political observers say a bloc vote from the PDP caucus would move the House leadership in the direction it desires, regardless of APC zoning.
The party gave an early warning to the APC that it would ensure that leaders who are chosen are people preferred and voted for by legislators, not the choices of ‘outsiders’.
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Some candidates competing for the speakership have already advised representatives to vote on the basis of individual quality rather than on zoning factors.
In the 7th Assembly election which depended on a bloc opposition vote, the departing House Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal overcame a PDP zoning plan which favoured the South West to emerge as speaker.
Usually, the political party with the highest number of members produces the National Assembly leadership. However, the PDP House caucus is disputing the tradition.
Leo Ogor, the House deputy leader, quoting section 50 of the 1999 Constitution (as edited), noted that the leadership in the 8th Assembly is not the limited preserve of the majority APC.
Ogor (Delta/PDP), a returning legislator, said constitutionally, any political party was permitted to name the Senate president, House speaker, their deputies and other principal officers, whether it had minority or majority status.
The deputy leader spoke at the 2015 induction certificate course on legislative studies for new legislators held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Section 50 (1) states: (a) a President and a Deputy President of the Senate, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves; and; (b) a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves.
READ ALSO: Nigeria - Corruption: Ezekwesili Says OBJ Wasn't Successful
However, Ogor said the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives has not supported or adopted any candidate for the speakership position in the incoming Assembly.
source:Naij
The PDP now has about 140 legislators, compared to the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s over 200 legislators.
Political observers say a bloc vote from the PDP caucus would move the House leadership in the direction it desires, regardless of APC zoning.
The party gave an early warning to the APC that it would ensure that leaders who are chosen are people preferred and voted for by legislators, not the choices of ‘outsiders’.
READ ALSO: Nigeria President Elect,, Buhari Strengthens Diplomatic Relationships
Some candidates competing for the speakership have already advised representatives to vote on the basis of individual quality rather than on zoning factors.
In the 7th Assembly election which depended on a bloc opposition vote, the departing House Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal overcame a PDP zoning plan which favoured the South West to emerge as speaker.
Usually, the political party with the highest number of members produces the National Assembly leadership. However, the PDP House caucus is disputing the tradition.
Leo Ogor, the House deputy leader, quoting section 50 of the 1999 Constitution (as edited), noted that the leadership in the 8th Assembly is not the limited preserve of the majority APC.
Ogor (Delta/PDP), a returning legislator, said constitutionally, any political party was permitted to name the Senate president, House speaker, their deputies and other principal officers, whether it had minority or majority status.
The deputy leader spoke at the 2015 induction certificate course on legislative studies for new legislators held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Section 50 (1) states: (a) a President and a Deputy President of the Senate, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves; and; (b) a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves.
READ ALSO: Nigeria - Corruption: Ezekwesili Says OBJ Wasn't Successful
However, Ogor said the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives has not supported or adopted any candidate for the speakership position in the incoming Assembly.
source:Naij
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