The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has urged members of the incoming 9th National Assembly to elect leaders of their choice as principal officers.
ACF said members of the parliament should ensure that those to be elected meet the basic criteria.
The body stated this in a statement issued in Kaduna State and signed by its National Publicity, Mohammed Ibrahim Biu.
ACF stressed that member of the incoming National Assembly should be guided by the fact that “democracy is a majority rule in which the political party with the electoral mandate is held accountable.
“Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) therefore urges Senators and Members-elect that in exercising their rights to elect officers of their choice, certain attributes like legislative capacity and experience, amiability, track record of selfless service, integrity, compassion of the candidates and above all loyalty to their political parties, which manifestos are used for securing the electoral mandate needed for implementation, should guide them in making the best choice.
“Election of Principal Officers of the 9th National Assembly is the exclusive rights and prerogative of Senators and Members elect of the National Assembly. However, the political parties that provided the platform for them to be elected also have a role in choosing those to superintend over the affairs of the National Assembly for the purpose of ensuring good coordination with the Executive that are needed for delivering on the promise of democracy.
“More so democracy is a majority rule in which the political party with the electoral mandate is held accountable and the minority party is expected to be a viable alternative platform for the electorate, considering that democracy without a viable opposition is spurious.
“It should however be noted that multiparty democracy impels progress through change that comes with robust debates on issues of real concern to ordinary citizens.”
