CSO Urges APC to Zone Position of Speaker to Southeast

Udora Orizu in  Abuja

A Civil Society Group for Good Governance (CSGGG) has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to zone the speakership of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly to South-East geopolitical zone of the country.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, CSGGG National Convener, Chief Dominic Ogakwu tipped the incumbent Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Benjamin Kalu as the next Speaker of the 10th Assembly.

He said Kalu has the capacity to lead the Green Chamber in the next democratic dispensation, having demonstrated sufficient capacity as Spokesman for the past four years.

While urging the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) on the need to uphold the tents of Federal character principle, Ogakwu observed that South East should be given a fair share in the country’s leadership positions.

He said, “At present, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is on the cusp of history to demonstrate that equity, inclusivity, and justice are the principles on which the party is built as it reaches a decision on the zoning of key officers for the 10th National Assembly, especially for the House of Representatives. As members of civil society, we hold the view without equivocation that equity and fairness demand that the South East should produce the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“It is for this reason that we call on the APC as the majority party in the National Assembly to zone the Office of Speaker of the House of Reps to the South East not just to reflect federal character and support a balanced power-sharing formula in the country, but because the South East Zone has the potential and capacity for the Office. There is a sense of alienation and marginalisation amongst the people of the Zone by the APC, which though we do not share, but agree as legitimate concern. As a country that just emerged from an electoral process that is benighted by divisive tendencies, history beckons on the ruling party to demonstrate that is inclusive, equitable and responsive to all parts of the country, particularly the South East.

“As we stated earlier, our clamour for the Speakership from the South East is not premised on equity and inclusion alone, but because there is capacity, ability and widespread consensus that Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is suited for the job. As a second-term lawmaker with resounding mandate from his people, Hon. Kalu, the Cicero of the House has demonstrated panache, zest, ability and capacity as Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs. Time and time again, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the member representing Bende federal constituency of Abia State, has passed across resolutions and decisions of the House without reason to second guess or be misquoted.”