By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Lawmakers-Elect of the 10th National Assembly have debunked rumours of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s favoritism or endorsement of any candidate.
This is ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu meeting on Thursday with senators and members-elect, where he called on members to choose good leaders among themselves.
The lawmakers after the meeting disclosed that President Tinubu particularly invited everyone, including aspirants, to work for the unity of the country.
They stressed that the President “did not voice his support for a particular candidate or asked any lawmaker to step down for the other.”
The Lawmakers noted that President Tinubu spoke with a joint session of the National Assembly, comprising senators and members of the House of Representatives across all parties, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, to dispel some misleading media reports about Mr. President on Wednesday night.
Subsequently, Mr President made a strong appeal to All Progressive Congress (APC) Senators-elect and Members-elect to abide by the zoning arrangement as announced by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party in electing presiding officers of the Senate and House of Representatives.
But speaking against the reports, the lawmakers said, the President on Thursday, restated what he discussed with aspirants in a closed door meeting that lawmakers should put the nation first and downplay party politics in the discharge of their duties.
The meeting is one of several engagements between the President and lawmakers ahead of the 10th National Assembly gets inauguration on June 13, 2023.
A member representing Ningi/Warji Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, Adamu Ranga, emphasized that the President Tinubu did not voice support for any of the candidates vying for the Senate or House leadership, adding that he called for a united front.
Ranga said, “The lawmakers were told to work together to choose good leaders in the 10th National Assembly.”
“Mr President spoke to the general assembly, both the Senate and the House of Representatives to ensure that we have a solid government. Second, he emphasized that he will perform an open-door policy for everybody.”
“Whoever wants to see him can see him without any hindrance. And whatever you would like to discuss with him, he will give you that privilege to discuss.”
“Thirdly, he said we should put our constituency first since we are here to represent them. He mentioned that he wants the Senate and the House to cooperate to elect good leaders.”
Furthermore, member-elect for Enugu East/Isiuzo Federal Constituency, Prof Paul Nnamchi, told reporters that Tinubu appealed to lawmakers to uphold national interest.
“He appealed that we should forget about party politics and face the national interest. That was the major part of his speech.”
He didn’t mention anybody’s name to be voted for. Maybe he is appealing, but I didn’t hear anybody’s name,” Nnamchi said,
Meanwhile, sources who attended the meeting said they observed that Mr. President’s body language at the meeting did not go well with party chieftains and promoters of those pushing for the imposition of some preferred candidates on both Chambers.
However, some lawmakers expressed excitement over the disposition of the President to the election of the Presiding Officers.
According to them, the President’s posture was assuring that he will provide a cordial working relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of Government.
