PDP Govs Hail New NASS Leadership
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has felicitated with the newly elected leadership of the ninth National Assembly following its inauguration on Tuesday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson delivered the congratulatory message issued on Wednesday in Abuja.
Dickson, in the statement by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr Daniel Alabrah, charged the new NASS leadership to guarantee the legislature’s independence in accordance with democratic ethos, as well ensure the rights of Nigerians are defended and well protected.
Governor Dickson described happenings at the National Assembly on Tuesday as a clear demonstration of democracy in action, and challenged the new leadership to be conscious that their emergence comes at a trying time in Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, the reality must not be lost on the principal officers that they are assuming their exalted positions at a very trying time in Nigeria’s democracy, adding; “On behalf of the PDP governors, I congratulate the new leadership of the National Assembly.”
The statement further said; “I urge them to strive to defend the independence of the legislature and to protect the rights of Nigerians.
“If the independence of the legislature is lost, then our democracy would have lost all meaning.”
“The legislators should seek to protect both chambers as well as the rights of Nigerians. They have the responsibility to protect the Nigerian people against all forms of arbitrariness and abuses,” he said.
Governor Dickson said the new NASS leadership must deploy their privileged positions to further promote Nigeria’s stability and unity, while also working hard to deepen democracy and all related processes.
Amidst high-wired political maneuverings, the Senate on Tuesday elected its former Majority Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan as its President and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the Deputy Senate President.
Equally, in an expected landslide victory, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila emerged as Speaker of House of Representatives, with Hon Ahmed Wase as the Deputy Speaker.
