In preparation for the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, a support group called Bola Campaign Organization (BCO), affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on the elected members of the Senate and House of Representatives to adhere to the APC's zoning arrangement for the leadership positions in the chambers.
The group, in a statement jointly signed by its National Patron, Alhaji Abdulwahab Korede Quadri (FCIB), National Coordinator, QS Mohammed Makinta (FNIQS), and National Women Leader, Alhaja Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, on Sunday, emphasized the importance of this adherence in promoting party discipline and upholding the party's authority.
According to the group, the selection of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Hon. Tajudeen Abass, both from the APC, as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively, will contribute to the stability of the nation.
However, the group also appealed to discontented APC members who disagree with the zoning and candidate endorsements for the Senate and House leadership positions to prioritize the country's overall interests and avoid further conflicts.
"As all is set for the Inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, we are passionately appealing to elected lawmakers of the Senate and House of Representatives to align their interest with that of the party".
"The choice of Godswill Akpabio for Senate President and Hon. Tajedeen Abass as Speaker of the House of Representatives will ensure a more cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature".
"The country must endeavor to sustain the achievements recorded in the outgoing 9th Assembly where tangible successes are owing to the cordial relationship between the two arms of government".
"It is therefore important to maintain a good a suitable condition for the legislature to function without confusion or turbulence".
"We, therefore, appeal to all lawmakers-elect who are aggrieved over the zoning arrangements to sheath their swords in the overall interest of the Party (APC) and Nigeria", the group added.
OXYGIST recalled that the party had announced its official stance in April, stating that Senator Godswill Akpabio from the South-South region was chosen as the preferred candidate for the position of Senate President, with Senator Barau Jibrin from the North-West as the deputy.
The party endorsed Hon. Tajudeen Abass from the North-West as the favored candidate for the role of Speaker in the 10th House of Representatives, while Hon. Ben Kalu from the South-East received approval for the Deputy Speaker position.