Apc National Assembly Leadership Zoning (Adoptions): An Affront On The Sanctity And Sovereignty Of The Legislature

Yesterday, a release from the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Felix Morka trended across various social media platforms as a result of its content. The information contained in the release was about the adoption of candidates by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party about the leadership of the 10th Senate and House of Representatives.

While it isn’t out of place for the ruling party to offer advice and guidance on this very sensitive aspect of our democracy, it is inappropriate for the party to directly adopt candidates while communicating such to the public via party letterhead The implication of doing such undermines the sovereignty of the National Assembly, and it gives a sordid interpretation of inferiority, rubber-stamp, and yes-only lawmakers who are already subdued.

The hallowed chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives eencompassseasoned lawmakers and distinguished leaders in their own right. These are representatives of the people, voted for from across different Senatorial Districts and Federal Constituencies, and for a legislature whose critical role of providing adequate checks and balances on the Federal Government to get this openly interfered with gives off all the wrong signals.

Also, it is important to note that the incoming National Assembly as a whole is being ridiculed, as the purported release was only signed by the Party’s Publicity Secretary, without the signatures of the Party Chairman and National Secretary. Many would interpret this to mean that the incoming Federal Government administration won’t honor or respect the legislative arms of Nigeria’s government.

Controversy is already brewing among the rank and file of Senators and Reps elect under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as many of them view this as an embarrassment to them. Their colleagues from other political parties also see this as a charade, as this is not a zoning but a direct endorsement of preferred candidates.

The legislative arms of government are well known and respected for their democratic ways of electing their leaders in every assembly, and this appointment-like nomination by the APC is not acceptable to the majority of the members.

In the best interest of the party, and of the incoming administration, it is strongly advised that the statement issued by Barr. Felix Morka on behalf of the APC is retracted, and a more democratic approach is employed in managing varying interests, and in relating with distinguished members of the Senate and House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly.