10th Assembly: APC Lawmakers wants party leadership to reconsider stance on zoning
A caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in the House of Representatives has appealed to the party’s leadership to reconsider its stance on the zoning of key leadership positions of the in-coming 10th National Assembly.
Deputy Speaker of the House, Idris Wase who is also aspiring for the speakership position of the in-coming 10th National Assembly made the appeal when he led the lawmakers to the APC National Secretariat on Wednesday in Abuja.
Recalled that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) on Monday, announced zoning the Senate Presidency of the in-coming National Assembly to the South-South in favour of Sen. Godswill Akpabio.
The party also zoned the Deputy Senate President to the North- West, Speaker. House of Representatives to North-West and the Deputy Speaker to the South-East.
Mr Felix Morka, the APC scribe had said that the party took the zoning decision after consultations with its stakeholders and meeting with the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu.
Wase however, said that none of the lawmakers were consulted before the party came out with the zoning decision.
“As I speak to you sir, I want to say categorically that none of us here was approached or consulted, even for a second to find our opinion and thought on what was going to be done or what has happened.
“Unfortunately, while watching television, we saw the spokesman of our party confirming that there was negotiation or consultations and that was why those lists were produced,” Wase said.
He described the development as unfortunate, adding that the party was suppose to galvanise its lawmakers.
“That is the crux of the matter and we feel betrayed by that action. We feel that our contributions are not recognised, we feel as if we are not members of this family.
“We feel that we have given our best, but now our best is no longer needed,” he said.
He said some of the lawmakers had reached out to members of the National Assembly Committee to express their aspirations.
“We might not have reached all, we will also try to do that.
“And we have tried also to reach all, or most critical stakeholders around the country to ensure that we have the buy-in of our leaders,” Wase said.
Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, the APC National Chairman in his response said the party would continue to consult on the issue with a view to possibly review its zoning decision on key positions of the in-coming 10th National Assembly.
“We cannot but try to live to the article of faith to our great party, we have listened to you, we don’t intend to open discussions right now with you in respect to your submissions.
“Like some of you who listened to a release from this office, we did say very clearly that we would endeavour to do more consultations so we can carry along greater number of our party members.
“There is nothing we do that may not be challenged here and there, but let us be able to attend the best possible to consult with people.
“Giving them their right of fair hearing before we can say yes, we are changing positions or we are not changing positions,” he said.
Adamu thanked the lawmakers for the visit and for being open to the party’s leadership with their greviance.
“I plead with you in good conscience to give us a little time to take a good and better look at your presentation.
“I appreciate you on behalf of my colleagues, and I want to assure you that God in his infinite mercy will guide us to ensure that we do what is acceptable for all.
“I assure you that we would do all the consultations and we would get back to you,” Adamu said.(https://newsatlarge.ng)