Nigerians have called on members of the Ninth National Assembly to prioritise legislative actions that will impact on the lives of the average citizens when inaugurated.
National Assembly Correspondent Joke Adisa, reports that in less than 24 hours, the 469-member National Assembly will be inaugurated. The campaigns and lobbying by lawmakers-elect seeking to become presiding officers have been dramatic.
From the Senate to the House of Representatives’, horse trading and political permutations continue to energise the scene among the incoming
lawmakers.
In the House, five-time member and the immediate past House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, stands tall among the contenders to the seat of the Speaker.
He is being challenged by Niger state born Muhammed Bago and another colleague from Benue, John Dyegh, all.of whom are protesting the party ‘s
resolve to zone the seat to the South West region.
Interestingly, Mr. Gbajabiamila has picked his deputy to-be, from the same geographical zone as Messrs Bago and Dyegh, that is the North Central.
The only female in the race is not backing down either and she is mobilising her colleagues to clinch the plum job. How far she goes remains to be seen.
The race to the Speaker’s seat is now strictly among members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, former Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, now in the
opposition PDP, has denied reports that he is running to be re-elected.
As the date gets closer, all contenders have assured the nation of their readiness to prioritise national development if given the mandate.
Some of the members-elect are hoping that the strain in the relationship between the last administration and the Legislature will not recur. They gave their perspectives as to what direction the next parliament should take.
The Not Too Young Bill, amendment to the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act as well as the National Minimum Wage Bill are some of the
landmarks of the last parliament. But there are more Bills that need to be passed
The passage of the now unbundled Petroleum Industry Bill, prompt consideration of the annual budget, Local government autonomy and Electoral
Reforms are some of the tasks awaiting the attention and prompt action of the coming legislature.
The expectation is that the Ninth National Assembly will surpass the 382 bills and 1588 motions passed by the last parliament.
