NASS LEADERSHIP: Northern pressure group, ACF, tells lawmakers what to do

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has advised Senators-elect and others on the qualities to look out for when electing their leaders, especially the Senate President and Speaker.

ACF National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, while addressing newsmen on Sunday in Kaduna noted that attributes such as legislative capacity and experience should be given much consideration

According to him, such qualities are vital cogs in moving the wheel of the legislature forwards and having a smooth though not subservient relationship with the executive arm for government to thrive.

He said:  “The election of the 9th National Assembly principal officers is the exclusive rights and prerogative of Senators and members-elect of the National Assembly.

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“However, the political parties that provided the platform for them to be elected also have a role in choosing those to superintendent over the affairs of the National Assembly for the purpose of ensuring good coordination with the executive that are needed for delivering on the promise of democracy.

“ACF therefore urges Senators and members-elect that in exercising their rights to elect officers of their choice, certain attributes like legislative capacity and experience, amiability, track record of selfless service, integrity, compassion of the candidates and above all loyalty to their political parties, which manifestos are used for securing the electoral mandate needed for implementation, should guide them in making the best choice.

“More so that democracy is a majority rule in which the political party with the electoral mandate is held accountable and the minority party is expected to be a viable alternative platform for the electorates, considering that democracy without a viable opposition is spurious.

“It should however be noted that multiparty democracy impels progress through change that comes with robust debates on issues of real concern to ordinary citizens.” The ACF spokesman said.

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