The Speaker of Nigeria’s House Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has lamented the failure of lawmakers to secure return ticket ahead of the 2023 general elections on the delegate system of candidates selection at the just concluded party primaries.
He said that the delegate system did not favour members of the 9th National Assembly.
Gbajabiamila said that it was essential to the practice of Democracy for the elected to give an account of their stewardship to the electorates.
He was speaking at the resumption of Plenary by the House of Representatives after weeks of a break for Sallah, Easter, and party primaries.
He said; “The past two months have been dominated by political pursuit across the country as political parties carry out various activities to nominate their candidates for the forthcoming general election. All of us, members of the House of Representatives we’re not exempted from this process. Unfortunately, as is always the case in electoral contests, Some of us who sort the nomination of our parties to return to the legislature have not gotten it. Others who sort nominations to contest other positions have also fallen short in that request. It is rather unfortunate that the process went the way it did.
“I make bold to say here that the legislature has once again suffered losses. The loss is not for members who lost. It’s a loss to democracy, the institution, and the country.
“Many of our members lost because of the process. The delegate system which unfortunately is not what a delegate system is supposed to be.”
The Speaker said; ” it pains me very deeply that the process has gone the way it went but we will continue to push and fight for our members. Our loss does not define us.”
Gbajabiamila urged members not to lose faith but to continue work towards making legislation that would benefit the country.
He said; “The loss is not for members who lost, it is a loss to democracy, to the institution and the country. If it means anything, I know and I am aware that many of our members did not lose their primaries because they were rejected by their constituents.”
The speaker also noted that the tenure of the 9th National Assembly does not end till next year and members must vow to provide the desired leadership.
He said; “We will also continue activities to ensure full implementation of the Legislative Agenda of the 9th House of Representatives. This includes consideration and passage of relevant legislation and other stakeholder engagement and outreach efforts. Several legislative agenda bills have been in Committee for longer than they should. Next week, I will invoke Order 18(3)(g) to commit those bills to the Committee of the Whole or any other relevant Committee of the House unless provided with a compelling reason to do otherwise.
“We have a limited time left to live up to our commitments in our legislative agenda, and we must make the time count.”
Meanwhile, Gbajabiamila has called on security agencies to fish out perpetrators of the Owo massacre in Ondo state.
He said; “Insecurity remains for us all a matter of the most serious concern. Barely a week ago, a church in Owo, Ondo State, became the scene of incomprehensible violence when gunmen attacked the congregation in the middle of service on the day of Pentecost. This House demands that the security agencies identify the perpetrators and sponsors of this depraved act, and we will hold their feet to the fire until they do so.”
The House adjourned sitting after a minute silence was observed for a deceased member, Bassey Ekpenyong from Akwa Ibom State.
VON