APC not guided by individual thought but on constitution - Lawmaker-elect warns

- A federal lawmaker has warned that President Muhamumadu Buhari will not influence leadership positions at the 9th Assembly

- Honourable Umar Bago said the APC is not guided by individual thought but on the party's constitution and principles

- Bago also said that the North Central has been marginalised over leadership in the House of Representatives since 1999

A member of the House of Representatives, Umar Bago, has warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is not guided by individual thought but on the party's constitution and principles.

Bago while speaking with journalists in Abuja, on Wednesday, April 3, on the issue of leadership at the 9th Assembly speaking said the constitution of the APC and that of Nigeria is clear on the issue of equity across boards.

The lawmaker who is representing Chanchaga federal constituency, Niger state and contesting for the position of the speaker of the House of Representative at the 9th Assembly said the people of the state are clamouring for equity in leadership zoning formular.

Stating that the North Central has been marginalised over leadership in the House of Representatives since 1999, Bago said irrespective of preference, leadership cannot be forced on the people.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Court cancels APC's primary election in Delta

Reacting to issues of zoning leadership position in the National Assembly by the APC, Bagos said: "First, who zoned what to what? That is number one. Then secondly, the party is not guided by individual's thought but by a constitution and then constitution of the party and that of the nation is clear on the issue of equity."

The lawmaker said that despite being a core Buharist, would prefer the will of the people to prevail in an equitable environment.

"So you don't call people who are clamouring on equity what is their own and let me remind you, I've been a TBO - The Buhari Organisation from inception, I came to the parliament under the platform of Change for Progressive Congress (CPC), so I am a core Buharist, and anything that will protect Buhari and Nigeria, I'm in there irrespective of party decision because I don't even see why the desperation," Bago said.

"And let me tell you something, in leadership, there are two things you need to understand even if you have preference, you can tactically tackle that through zone to a zone and lobbying. You cannot force on people, so we are saying all these stories we are talking about at the end of the day it will end in an open secret balloting in the chamber, 360 of us will elect our leadership.

So, we are not afraid to talk, and we cannot be tormented or cowed by any person, our position is very clear, we stand for equity, north central deserves as in any other place to be recognised in the sharing formula of this country," he said.

He further noted that contrary to reports that the president has interest in influencing the outcome of leaders of both the upper and lower chamber, President Muhammadu Buhari wil never interfere with lawamkers' decision as to who takes what position.

"I've been with Buhari from the TBO, Buhari that I know will not anoint anyone, he won't do that. Name dropping for the president will continue as it is with politics.

"That thing he said and people took it for joke, I am for nobody and I am for everybody, is still the same way it is. He believes in equity.

"What has taken president Buhari to where he is today is because he is an honest person. Take everything from him, but his integrity is unshaken," Bago added.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Niger state governor Sani Bello has assured that he would do everything within his power to ensure the position of speakership of House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly comes to the state.

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app

Governor Bello represented by his deputy Ahmed Ketso, said it was not proper for the party to have neglected the North Central zone and Niger state in particular, who have contributed greatly to the success of the party in Nigeria.

While addressing members-elect at Transcorp Hilton, at a meet and greet in Abuja threw his weight behind the lawmaker representing Chanchaga federal constituency of Niger state for the position.

The governor said the Niger state government and people would work together to ensure Bago emerges as Speaker of the House.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better.

INEC announces Buhari as 2019 election winner, Nigerians react | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng