Group calls for dialogue among National Assembly members

THE Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has called on National Assembly members to forge a synergy among themselves in a peaceful dialogue.

Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, in a statement, in Abuja and made available to The Guardian said the group has critically observed, with keen interest, the ongoing political development in the National Assembly, adding that the struggle for leadership positions is fast becoming a priority over the nation’s democracy and national interest.

Musa added that the group understands that it is a global phenomenon for political parties and politicians to struggle for leadership positions in the legislature, which featured in Nigeria’s political history in the last 16 years prior to the emergence of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the leading party in the country, stressing that the ongoing development in the National Assembly could be traced to inability and weak internal control system by the leadership of APC to inculcate discipline in its members.

His words, “CISLAC strongly demands that the ongoing struggles for elective and appointive leadership positions in the National Assembly be conducted within the legislative Code of Conduct to promote value of excellence, professionalism in the legislators’ performance; and ensure civility and responsible conduct inside and outside of the Assembly commensurate with the trust placed in legislators by the electorate and in deference to the rights of citizens and respect for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We believe that the most recent development leading to the emergence of new leaderships in the Assembly would serve as a lesson to future ruling party to prioritize adequate internal control and inculcate discipline in its members. We demand that such development should be accepted in the interest of nation’s democracy as the matter is now clearly outside of the party’s control.”

The group therefore, called on the elected members to reach out to the aggrieved legislators and maintain peace with their party to avert conflict between private interests and official duties, adding that they should uphold effective functionality of the Presidency in the best interest of the nation.

“We charge the elected and appointed principal officers in the Assembly to constructively dialogue and reconcile with the aggrieved colleagues and their political party, opposition members to facilitate collaboration in the exercise of their fundamental mandates which is lawmaking, oversight and representation, in the interest of peace, harmony and democracy of the country.”

The group said they would be happy to continue in providing support to the members of the National Assembly to enhance efficiency in the conduct of the core legislative duties.